For the first time in ten years, South Hills girls basketball secured second place in the Hacienda League. The athletes reflected on the preparation that led to their success and how it felt to achieve such an accomplishment.
Captain Alexis Guerrero (10) reflected on the changes that were necessary to transform the program, explaining how the team went from placing fifth in league last year to securing second place this year.
“The major shift was our mentality. We were more competitive and wanted to win compared to last year. We were very cocky about it and didn’t work as hard,” Guerrero said.
Nevaeh Johnson (10) summed up the season and expressed the preparations that led to their successes.
“It was fun and stressful at certain times because we were put under a lot of pressure towards the end of the season, and we had to practice much harder, but it was overall fun,” Johnson said.
Denise Lee (10), a former junior varsity captain, was promoted to the varsity team midway through the season. She went on to earn First Team All-League and became a key starter for the remainder of the season. Lee discussed her pivotal role in the team’s success.
“I think the major difference was my defense and being able to offer something crucial to varsity,” Lee said.
Head coach Danny Sevilla talked about some of the team’s difficulties this season.
“Keeping the girls focused on playing together as a team and holding each other accountable. The girls played really well this season in some high-pressure situations against top teams,” Silvia said.
Assistant coach Marquis Porchia talked about the future of girls basketball.
“Girl basketball definitely got more recognition this year, and I think in the future it is only going up from here,” Porchia said.
