Girls’ varsity basketball reach semifinal in successful season
Hawene Alomayehu, Staff Writer
The Samo girls varsity basketball team ended their season in their semi final game against Sage Hill High School on Wednesday Feb. 23. The match concluded with a score of 41-58, however Samo’s infamous defense proved quite a challenge for Sage Hill. With that, each player contributed in their own way. Brielle Minor (‘23) displayed astounding leadership as point guard while Karen Garcia (‘23) successfully demonstrated strong defense skills throughout the game. Although this marks the end of the season for the girls, the majority junior team is excited to get back to work next year.
On Feb. 19, Samo had an impressive win against Vista Murrieta. The game was extremely important as it would determine who would move on into the semi finals. Despite the guest team exchanging hateful words towards Samo players throughout the game, the girls did not let the poor sportsmanship distract them and ultimately won 46-40.
Ultimately, many of the team’s accomplishments this season can be credited to their hard work during their off-season. Although their season began late December, preparations started in October. These two months were dedicated to rehearsing plays and all around cross-training. Team captain Kalaya Hudson (’23) believes this pre-season preparation had notable payoff.
“We did a lot of running and skills work. I feel like everybody improved on their ball handling and shooting,” Hudson said.
With the groundwork established in their pre-season, Samo’s Varsity girls’ basketball team was able to win against Palos Verdes High School, on Tuesday Jan. 25 with a final score of 49-30. The game was also the team’s senior night so prior to the game Coach Douglas Kim honored each of the team’s seniors with their families and friends on the court. Kim praised each player for their hard work throughout their years in the program and wished them the best of luck in the future.
The heartfelt moment fueled the girls’ energy for a great senior game. The starting five were almost all seniors, and each contributed to the juggernaut defense that held back the Palos Verdes team.
“There’s a lot of emotion that goes on in that game with their own team. The players on the team really supported each other in really strong ways…. I think most importantly it was really about celebrating [the seniors] and what they mean to our program and to our team and really to our family,” Kim said.
On Jan. 18, the varsity girls’ basketball team powerfully started their season with a 48-35 win against Culver City. This first league game win was a glimpse into what the girls hoped would be a promising season. An outstanding three-point shot by Siena Blaustein (’25) and strong inward drives made by guard Karen Gracia (’23) unforgettable moments in the match. Teamwork prevailed and the Vikings won!
Besides hard training, what truly separated this team from the others this season was their strong sisterhood. The season not only strengthened great players, but developed strong friendships. Brielle Minor (’23) acknowledges and cherishes the familial aspects of the team.
“Anything you go through, even if you have a bad day or a bad game, you have your team around you to support you,” Minor said.
Though their regular season was cut short because of the winter spike in COVID-19 cases, Kim believes the girls made significant progress throughout their non-traditional season.
“I’d say we made the most progress. I think we, as a team, have come further than I thought we would. When you have 12 or 13 individuals on a team it’s really easy to make this game about me. A lot of kids make the game about me. The team made it about us and I think that’s really important. I think that’s why we have success,” Kim said.
All in all, Girls’ basketball had an enduring and impressive season filled with remarkable achievements this year. Between their impenetrable defense and their exemplary team bond, the girls and Samo have much to be proud of.
Gabrielle Barnes (’22) dribbles the ball down the court in a game against Leuzinger high school on 2/12. The game ended in a victory for Samo, with a final score of 43:34.