The Selma High girls’ varsity basketball team continues their league season strong with three consecutive wins. Their current record is 3-1 and the team doesn’t plan on slowing down any time soon.
“We have a goal to win the league this year and have the momentum to do so,” shared Coach Alvarez. “That is our biggest goal and is something we are hungry for.”
The team showcases a competitive desire to win by applying high energy into every game and practice. They also demonstrate a bond that allows them to communicate and execute their plays.
“The team chemistry is amazing,” stated senior Julia Vasquez. “I have grown up playing with these girls. Over time we’ve adapted to how one another plays which makes the game fun.”
“They’re all like sisters to me,” junior Daviana Chaves added.
The connection between the girls plays a key role in motivating the team to continue to work and play hard. This was displayed in their game against Washington Union High School, where Selma maintained a lead throughout the entire game and won 43-33. Energy was high with cheering from the stands as well as the team consistently uplifting one another. This motivated the girls to stay focused in the game without losing their momentum.
“The team stays motivated for each other,” shared junior Jennea Gonzalez. “We go off each other’s energy in games and practice so our motivation stems from each other.”
Every win and loss is a lesson for the team to continue improving. After every game, the team will reflect on what was done well and what needs to be improved upon.
“We have short and long term goals that we strive to reach each day, each week, each month,” Coach Alvarez shared.
By having these goals in place it allows the team to stay consistent and evolve through the season.
Daviana Chavez explains that the team is especially looking forward to the team’s senior night, a tradition to recognize the seniors last year playing- on February 7. Here, they’ll be taking on Reedley High School, a fierce competitor for a second time.
“We lost against them recently so it’s a big motivation to come back stronger,”
Chavez adds. “It’s also our last league game before playoffs so we want to end strong.”
Basketball is a big part of the team’s lives and as the season progresses, Coach Alverez gives insight on what she hopes the team takes away from their time playing.
“I hope that our players feel as if they can come back at any time and see the fingerprints they’ve laid for younger players to come,” she added. “I ultimately hope that our player to coach relationship grows and we as a staff can be a part of their life journey as mentors but also as fans of who they are.”
