Beginning the winter sports season at Selma High School, the start of Varsity Boys Basketball has arrived. Currently being instructed under Coach Vargas for their 8th season, the team holds a record of 0-1. Preparing themselves for following games, the team is working to improve both their personal and collaborative skills.
“[The most valued skills are] the fundamentals. Being able to dribble, pass, and shoot,” states Coach Vargas.
Outside of the drills and conditioning used during practices, players also work on building their skillset through other methodologies.
“[I] spend a lot of hours in the gym. It’s important to keep your body healthy so you can keep improving,” Zach Vieira explains.
Currently a senior at Selma High School, Vieira is playing as a forward, now having played basketball for a total of nine years. His inspiration to play is derived from his family, as his older sister played and his dad coached.
Alongside working on one’s physical skills, it is also crucial that players focus on their mental game.
“To prepare myself mentally, I listen to calming music to take away the nerves before a game,” center Izaiah Gonzalez-Barrita said.
Now in his senior year of high school, Gonzalez has been playing basketball since sixth grade. He grew up with encouragement from his mom to play a variety of sports, yet found that basketball was the one he most strongly connected with.
Playing basketball brings both physical and mental aspects, which can present varying challenges on the court.
“Decision making has been my biggest challenge this year. I have to decide whether to shoot the ball or to pass. However, to overcome this, I’ve put more trust into my teammates to make the shot,” Izaiah expressed.
Working on challenges is important to improving overall as a player, however, it is also valuable to recognize one’s strengths. Both players strongly find power in their ethics and their willingness to grow as a player.
“I believe some of my strengths are defense and my unselfishness. I’m a pass first player and enjoy seeing my teammates succeed,” stated Vieira.
Teamwork is a significant part of playing a sport, as proper collaboration can always make or break a game.
“Team atmosphere this year is great,” Izaiah states, “We have a really great group of guys who aren’t afraid to criticize one another, but hold no resentment.”
“We are very goal-oriented and there isn’t any selfishness. We all have a common goal in mind, which is to win,” Zach adds.
Being conducted under great teamwork, the team will continue to put their best efforts on the court for the remainder of the season.
