The middle school girls’ basketball team focuses on rebuilding the program this season. Last year, most of the Varsity team graduated, leaving the program with an insufficient number of girls and overall lack of interest from students.
Athletic director Courtney Young is actively working to create a sustainable program for the girls. In past years, he has tried to start the team at the Varsity level but was unsuccessful due to the lack of commitment demonstrated by the players. This year; however, he has decided to take a different approach by starting the team at the middle school level.
He said, “This time we are staring from the ground up. The goal is to model what we have already established in some of the other sports…and move that program as they get older.”
Young believes that this approach will allow the girls to move towards becoming a strong high school team and eventually opportunities to play in college. The weekly practices, conditioning, and games will continue to build on their current skills and make them valuable players.
After speaking with a standout player this season, Eva Jones (6) – who has been playing since she was five years-old—believes they have a chance for a successful season.
“I think we can; we have people that are good at defense and rebounding,” said Jones. She also said that despite it being most of the girl’s first time playing, they all did well.
Gabriela Mazques will be the new assistant coach alongside veteran coach John Brand this season. Mazques is a personal trainer who played basketball throughout her middle and high school years. She plans on taking a unique approach to training the girls.
“I’ll teach them from a different technical side, the breathing and the right stretches, so you know how to be more mobile at the game…less injuries.”
Similar to other sources, Mazques believes the girls will have a successful season if they put in the effort.
“I think it’s a matter of being a hard worker…I am hoping that we can give them a balance where they don’t feel burned… but that they are having fun,” she said.
The efforts to rebuild the girls’ middle school basketball program are taking shape. This season has the potential to set the stage for future growth and development within the program.
To view the girls game schedule and results, you can visit the Riviera Schools website.
