Girls' basketball places fourth in Ocean League

After a loss against El Segundo on Feb. 12, Samo’s girls’ basketball placed fourth place in the state and did not qualify for the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF). With an overall league record of 9-18 and 3-7, the team ended the season with several losses at home.                                                                                                                                              “I’m disappointed that we didn’t make it to CIF, of course,” Silvestri said. “I know the girls are hard workers and talented people but this season we just slacked in teamwork, since we lost several players. We can do better.”

The team recalled its first home loss against Palos Verdes. This was one of the team’s first tests against a strong defense.

“[I remember] we were able to get a lead. Our team started off the game pretty well. By the second half, we got flustered and antsy [against] the opponent,” point guard Lisa Takahashi (’15) said. “[After the game] we were able to get good looks at what went down in the game and [we] were able to implement them in the next upcoming games.”

Despite losing players due to injuries, the girls still maintained a strong offensive persona. This proved to be a great asset as it helped pull the team into scoring the leads in almost all the games.

“The team worked hard together and we all contributed immensely to this season even if there were rough patches with old rivals and opponents,” forward Amanda Foshag (’15) said.

“I wish we made it into CIF since most of us are seniors. [Our team] built on communal love and teamwork.”

When facing off against the team rival Beverly Hills High School, they suffered a loss at home, but came back in packed away game with a score of 58-49.

“It was really nice, knowing that through our sheer practice and [Coach] Silvestri’s tips we got through Beverly one more time in the season,” Foshag (’15) said.

According to Immani Maxwell (‘15), the team is currently reflecting on this season by gathering to discuss its strengths and weaknesses. With the season coming to an end, the girls want to adapt their strengths in team work and flexibility into other activities outside of basketball and Samo while sharing their insights with future players.

“We cry together, we bleed together, we laugh together,” Nava Nassiri (’15) said. “There’s not one person in the [Samo Vikings] girls basketball team who doesn’t give to the sport.”