A Tough Season to Play Ball
Even with challenges at the beginning of the season, they grew rapidly as a team
April 25, 2022
When the Girl’s Basketball Team started their season, they didn’t know if they were even going to have a season or if they were just going to have a few games and that was it. The team didn’t know what to expect. The team felt like the pandemic affected them in different ways.
“The pandemic absolutely did affect our season because we had fewer games,” team captain Raquel Pena said. “My time on this team was very short.“
“Yes, the pandemic did affect us because we had to play with masks and people would be out [with COVID],” said center/shooter Sofia Chagollan
The team ended the season with a 7-14 record.
Other than the pandemic there were other challenges. “There were a lot of ups and downs, like there were a lot of people that were just goofing around and there were a lot of people sick,” said Captain Raquel Pena. “Then our coach was not here most of the time because he moved.”
Yemi Ramires-Ojeda and Lorena Robles are college students and Bell alumni. They played on the Bell Girls Basketball team in different years, and both came back this year to help out.
“In the beginning, it was a bit challenging,” said Coach Yemi. “But right now I feel like COVID isn’t getting as big as it was before so it is a bit easier.”
The team made so much progress from the first day of their season up to the last game. Some of the team members and coaches wish some things had been different.
“I wish I could have improved in my game and worked on it so maybe we could have won a ring,” said junior Cynthia Ramires.
“I definitely wish I could have started from the beginning because I know it could have made a difference and we could have made them a different team.” said Coach Yemi who volunteered partway through the season.
Other than the pandemic there were other challenges. “There were a lot of ups and downs like there were a lot of people that were just goofing around and there was a lot of people sick,” said Captain Raquel Pena. “Then our coach was not here most of the time because he moved.”
She’s glad she volunteered. “I was able to lead a team that won a lot of games and just made an impact on every individual player,” Coach Yeimi said. “Because I really like basketball, so it was my number one thing since 7th grade,” she added. “And because if I know I could succeed, so I know other girls can succeed as well.”
Loading ...
Martha • May 19, 2022 at 9:43 pm
It’s crazy to see how much COVID has impacted people. The perseverance and strength they all have is inspiring. Their dedication and love for the team is amazing to see. All their hard work is going to pay off and be a skill they’ll all have. Even though there were many challenges, you guys were able to overcome them which is truly remarkable. Hope you are all proud of yourselves and I expect to hear more about you guys.
Martha Valladares Ms.Jonasson per.2
Itzari • May 18, 2022 at 11:46 pm
Despite Covid-19 regulations and your coach moving, you were all able to get through the season. You should all feel proud of yourself cause you all worked as a team.
Cristian Ceja Ramirez- Ms. Jonasson-P.1 • May 17, 2022 at 11:54 am
It is truly inspiring to see a team fight through multiple challenges and several issues that were out of their control. Despite Covid-19, the very strict regulations, and the very apparent issue of the lack of proper staff, this team still managed to pick themselves off the ground and continue to fight. Every game they won was from hardwork, and they played through thick and thin in every game. This team put their heart and soul in every practice without their head coach. And props to Coach Yumi, who came in to help coach this team despite not needing to. She came out to coach out of her passion for the game, and her passion to help the youth succeed in the game. This experience will make a path for next years team to thrive and win.