Sports & Clubs
The Boys Basketball Perspective on Chemistry Within a Team
Freedom Gobel
The importance of ‘team chemistry’ has been debated for decades between coaches, behaviorists, professional athletes, and amateur sports players. Extensive research has been done in attempt of complete understanding, but determining the effectiveness in numerical evidence form has stumped even the most persistent analysts.
Team chemistry, as described by collaboration experts, is harmonious and effective interaction between people working together. Does this definition align with the views of high school athletes? Reagan’s boys basketball Huskies were challenged to define ‘team chemistry’ in their own words.
Team chemistry is…
“...good communication and knowing how to help each other out in a way that helps everyone.” - Edan Ness, ninth grade player.
“...the bond you have with your teammates. It's the ability to know what your teammate is going to do before they do it.” - Joshua Newborn, tenth grade JV player.
“...the way teammates play with each other while knowing each other's strengths, weaknesses, and tendencies.” - Carter Grant, ninth grade JV player.
“...knowing where your teammates like to be on the court, talking to each other like family, and listening to each other.” - Jeremiah Guevarra, varsity player.
Freshman coach, Eli Kelley, has strong beliefs about chemistry on the court. “Chemistry is critical for any team. It's not something that I, as a coach, can just stir up in the kitchen and make happen. It's one of those things that just evolves and it's a player generated deal. You can tell when a team gels, and you can tell when a team doesn't, especially with basketball. There's an unselfish attitude. In basketball, it means having a ‘team first’ attitude. That is key,” Kelley emphasized.
Another growing question within the topic of chemistry on the court is : Does the success of a team depend not only on the presence of chemistry, but on a common understanding of it as well?
Though the meaning of team chemistry is generally agreed upon, JV player Carter Grant has differing opinions on the outcome. “I believe that team chemistry is one of the most important factors of playing on any collaborative sport, but I do think you can win without it. There is just a lower success rate.”
Joshua Newborn, JV player, disagreed. “You can't win without it because if you aren't sure what your teammates are going to do, your offense will lose its flow and the defense will just shut you down,” he voiced.
At the end of the day, Coach Kelley isn’t looking for the best shooter or the most offensively talented player, because to him, that’s not what makes a team. The offensive aspect is not the focus, but finding floor leaders is. “The leader doesn't need to be the point guard. As a coach, it's my job to observe the players and find the leader to balance every aspect of the team,” said Kelley. “We need to play hard, and play hard together.”
Team chemistry, as described by collaboration experts, is harmonious and effective interaction between people working together. Does this definition align with the views of high school athletes? Reagan’s boys basketball Huskies were challenged to define ‘team chemistry’ in their own words.
Team chemistry is…
“...good communication and knowing how to help each other out in a way that helps everyone.” - Edan Ness, ninth grade player.
“...the bond you have with your teammates. It's the ability to know what your teammate is going to do before they do it.” - Joshua Newborn, tenth grade JV player.
“...the way teammates play with each other while knowing each other's strengths, weaknesses, and tendencies.” - Carter Grant, ninth grade JV player.
“...knowing where your teammates like to be on the court, talking to each other like family, and listening to each other.” - Jeremiah Guevarra, varsity player.
Freshman coach, Eli Kelley, has strong beliefs about chemistry on the court. “Chemistry is critical for any team. It's not something that I, as a coach, can just stir up in the kitchen and make happen. It's one of those things that just evolves and it's a player generated deal. You can tell when a team gels, and you can tell when a team doesn't, especially with basketball. There's an unselfish attitude. In basketball, it means having a ‘team first’ attitude. That is key,” Kelley emphasized.
Another growing question within the topic of chemistry on the court is : Does the success of a team depend not only on the presence of chemistry, but on a common understanding of it as well?
Though the meaning of team chemistry is generally agreed upon, JV player Carter Grant has differing opinions on the outcome. “I believe that team chemistry is one of the most important factors of playing on any collaborative sport, but I do think you can win without it. There is just a lower success rate.”
Joshua Newborn, JV player, disagreed. “You can't win without it because if you aren't sure what your teammates are going to do, your offense will lose its flow and the defense will just shut you down,” he voiced.
At the end of the day, Coach Kelley isn’t looking for the best shooter or the most offensively talented player, because to him, that’s not what makes a team. The offensive aspect is not the focus, but finding floor leaders is. “The leader doesn't need to be the point guard. As a coach, it's my job to observe the players and find the leader to balance every aspect of the team,” said Kelley. “We need to play hard, and play hard together.”
The Feelings That A Tennis Ball Can Hold Inside Of Itself
MYa Bailey
The value a sport itself can create for a single student is a phenomenal realization. Reagan’s girl’s tennis team did not only play a sport with their strengths in mind this season, but they also learned the true meaning of teamwork, Reagan’s tennis team this year did something not only amazing, but something that also highlighted Reagan as a whole. Before the season started, Rufus King, our rival high school, stood with their 20 year streak of wins without losses until this year, 2016, when the Reagan’s Girl tennis team snapped that streak and won their game against King. This created a moment that will go down in history for Reagan and for the tennis leagues throughout Wisconsin. This is an incredible win, but what about the deeper meaning within? Teamwork is a passionate power that only a strong group of people can function but it can be difficult to acquire at times if everyone isn't cooperating, so after bringing up teamwork people may think different things.
“I think of experiences,” says Sheila, “Whether they are good or bad experiences, we can learn from them. It helps build character. Collaboration may be difficult sometimes, however, communication can correct it. Working with a team helps me to listen, speak, and respond well. I speak to my teammates as one of their captains and most importantly, their friend.” Thien-y, on the other hand, thought of the word “partnership” when hearing the word “team.”
“When we won the title, I thought “Everyone just do your best and have fun,” which may sound cheesy, but if you ask anyone on the team, they all would say that I’m not a competitive player and that all I want in tennis is to have fun, which is true,” shared Thien-y when asked why she thinks of partnership. “I grew up in a family that loves competition in education and sports- but there’s really no point in winning without fun in it with your family and friends.” The moments before and after can truly swarm lucid butterflies of emotion to land on player to play, so this win can really gather up every butterfly if possible when breaking Kings streak for each individual player.
Thien-y said that before winning the title, she wanted everyone to try their very best, with compassion and the value of fun in mind, and after the win it was blurry to her that they won the title.
“I didn’t know that my match was going to determine whether or not we’d win the championship or not. After our victory, I was so proud of myself and my teammates for doing their best,” said Thien-y. Sheila shared that she felt a mix of nervousness and stress before their win. She believes that her team wasn’t too focused on winning the title over, but they were more intrigued and aimed towards their performance being adequate. No matter what, they still tried their best to win because no one truly enjoys losing.
“We wanted to showcase our skills,” expressed Sheila. She says that their win was a very delightful surprise considering that Reagan and King had fairly close scores throughout the whole sequence. She did feel warm heartedly happy with a pinch of surprise after her team won the title and a game against King. One question still pondered on how this season impacted each girl as they ventured their way to victory. Sheila said that the things she learned were of what she said earlier about collaboration as a whole. She says that she will always remember to listen to her team members, speak towards a plan that agrees with everyone's ideas, and to respond with gratitude and acceptance. Thien-y on the other hand responded a tad differently than Sheila did.
“Honestly, I learned that I should’ve been committed to tennis right from the beginning. When the coaches yelled at me and the team, I finally got a reality check that I needed to stop messing around,” Thien-y mentioned.
In the end, it’s heart and teamwork that pushes a group of people through its toughest points, but as long as everyone tries to be positive and stay focused, then things may turn out in favor as a whole - just like they did this year for Reagan’s tennis team. Like Sheila said earlier, “I speak to my teammates as one of their captains and most importantly, their friend.”
“I think of experiences,” says Sheila, “Whether they are good or bad experiences, we can learn from them. It helps build character. Collaboration may be difficult sometimes, however, communication can correct it. Working with a team helps me to listen, speak, and respond well. I speak to my teammates as one of their captains and most importantly, their friend.” Thien-y, on the other hand, thought of the word “partnership” when hearing the word “team.”
“When we won the title, I thought “Everyone just do your best and have fun,” which may sound cheesy, but if you ask anyone on the team, they all would say that I’m not a competitive player and that all I want in tennis is to have fun, which is true,” shared Thien-y when asked why she thinks of partnership. “I grew up in a family that loves competition in education and sports- but there’s really no point in winning without fun in it with your family and friends.” The moments before and after can truly swarm lucid butterflies of emotion to land on player to play, so this win can really gather up every butterfly if possible when breaking Kings streak for each individual player.
Thien-y said that before winning the title, she wanted everyone to try their very best, with compassion and the value of fun in mind, and after the win it was blurry to her that they won the title.
“I didn’t know that my match was going to determine whether or not we’d win the championship or not. After our victory, I was so proud of myself and my teammates for doing their best,” said Thien-y. Sheila shared that she felt a mix of nervousness and stress before their win. She believes that her team wasn’t too focused on winning the title over, but they were more intrigued and aimed towards their performance being adequate. No matter what, they still tried their best to win because no one truly enjoys losing.
“We wanted to showcase our skills,” expressed Sheila. She says that their win was a very delightful surprise considering that Reagan and King had fairly close scores throughout the whole sequence. She did feel warm heartedly happy with a pinch of surprise after her team won the title and a game against King. One question still pondered on how this season impacted each girl as they ventured their way to victory. Sheila said that the things she learned were of what she said earlier about collaboration as a whole. She says that she will always remember to listen to her team members, speak towards a plan that agrees with everyone's ideas, and to respond with gratitude and acceptance. Thien-y on the other hand responded a tad differently than Sheila did.
“Honestly, I learned that I should’ve been committed to tennis right from the beginning. When the coaches yelled at me and the team, I finally got a reality check that I needed to stop messing around,” Thien-y mentioned.
In the end, it’s heart and teamwork that pushes a group of people through its toughest points, but as long as everyone tries to be positive and stay focused, then things may turn out in favor as a whole - just like they did this year for Reagan’s tennis team. Like Sheila said earlier, “I speak to my teammates as one of their captains and most importantly, their friend.”
The BSU Fall 2016 Basketball Tournament
Jacqueline Jones
Reagan’s BSU basketball tournament is a semi-annual basketball tournament that is hosted by the Black Student Union club.
This year’s fall tournament was an absolute success and there were plenty of people in the stands pumped for the game. Some players were excited, while others were nervous, but everyone was ready to win. There were even people from our own basketball team participating in the BSU tournament. There was also an all-girls team entirely made up of freshmen. Hayat Ibrahim, one of the girl’s team’s participants, said,“We're going to show people that even though girls are cute, we can be strong too.” All of the Hoopin Huskies, the name of Hayat’s team, said that they were nervous and excited, but ready to play and definitely ready to win.
Every team was pumped and ready to play hard. Tariq Makki, from the team Mr. X, said,“We're going to go out there strong and not lose,” and Tristan Burtan-Small, from the team MKE Ballers said,“Ball is life.”
Many people were there to support their friends or were like Grandy Iang,who said, “I’m here to see the girls put the guys in their place”
Also Oscar Silva, a teacher at Ronald Reagan and a fellow observer of the tournament said,“I think it's absolutely fantastic and necessary. It’s one of the most enjoyable things that we do at this school and a great way to have BSU get a part of the cause.”
BSU has been hosting their semi-annual basketball tournament for three years now. It started in 2014 and has been continued every year since then.
The Past, The Present, The Future...of DJ Club
Corinne Kronschnabel & Valerie Mecha
DJ Club began eight years ago when three alumni from Reagan, Jeremy Kane, Derek Dun, and Ehab Saleh, who all had similar interests in either pop music, creating music, or DJing approached Mr. Murphy, a music teacher here at Reagan, about creating the club. He obliged. That same year, Reagan hosted two homecoming dances on the same night. One dance had a hired DJ while the other had the DJ Club performing. After the dance, the club received a lot of positive feedback about their performance. It was suggested that the club should continue to DJ for all the school dances. This killed two birds with one stone. Instead of Student Council having to pay for a DJ, they could purchase DJ equipment and donate it to the club. Having DJ Club play for school dances would give them experience and would help them practice skills that they could use in their future as professional and paid DJs. Since the inception of the Club, members have been performing at the Fun Fridays during lunchtimes in the cafeteria, all-school dances, and prom. Mr. Murphy stated that the initial goals of DJ Club were, “to replace the hired DJs...save money, keep the money within the school, and at the same time give students the experience of getting job skills and getting to perform.”
DJ Club began with just a couple of kids. “It’s always extremely popular at the beginning of the year, until kids realize that it’s going to take practice and commitment...I always tell students that if you want to be in DJ Club, then all you have to do is show up for DJ Club,” said Mr. Murphy. The music teacher continues on to say, “If you show up regularly, then you're in the club and once you feel comfortable, we’ll put you in front of the school.” Starting DJs usually begin by performing at lunches or small gigs to get some practice. Then they can work up to playing at the school dances. Mr. Murphy says one of the things he like most about the club is, “If anyone doesn’t like the music, they can join DJ club and do it themselves.” This is one of the possible solutions to a concern brought up in an editorial the Husky Howler Editorial Board published last year about the lack of diversity in the music DJ club was selecting to play for students. This year the club is aiming to widen the genres they are experimenting with by taking on new members who all bring their own personal set of diverse musical interests, participating in more gigs, and learning new skills from an advisor that is a professional DJ.
Mr. Murphy continued to say, “DJ club is an excellent way to involve non-traditional music students… I have students in DJ club who aren’t in music classes.” That kind of uniqueness adds different skills and taste in how the members listen and perform music.
This club definitely is a learning experience. “They all stink in the beginning,” Mr. Murphy stated honestly. “They then begin build confidence and musically they start to become more aware of music.” These are just some of the developments Mr. Murphy has noticed from his students. To gain even more experience, the club goes on field trips to DJ at other schools. This, in a way, promotes Reagan. “A lot of students have chosen to go to Reagan because we have a DJ club,” he said. The skills the students develop and the experiences they go through do end up impacting their futures. Josue Mendoza and Juan Guzman are two prime examples of how DJ club impacted the lives of students at Reagan. Both alumni had leadership roles in the club and are now professional DJs. Mr. Murphy stays in touch with the two students and continues to provide them with opportunities. If there ever is an event where DJ club cannot attend, Mr. Murphy reaches out to them and offers them the job.
“The big plan is we want to replicate DJ club throughout the district. We don’t want to be the only DJ club.” said Mr. Murphy This would create more diverse students as they learn and work with music from different cultures. This plan would also alleviate some of the pressures that come with being a member. The club and their talents are in high demand. Having more professionally trained DJs would mean there are more sources for schools when it comes to meeting their DJ needs.
Junior Chloe Weithofer recalls the first time she encountered DJ club, “I remember eighth grade looking at Reagan and going to their open house and seeing DJ club’s little table...I’ve always wanted to get into music so seeing that actually ended up being a determining factor about whether or not I went to here or King.” She decided to attend Reagan and first thing freshman year, she joined the club with no prior experience. “It was just so much fun and I just stuck with it and every year has just been something new,” said Chloe. This member learned mixing, how to pick out bpms (beats per minute), what genres move together, and so much more. Chloe is learning the skills that will help her get a one up in the music business, a business she is hoping to enter. The member continued on and said that, “For now it’s a great hobby that I love to have, that also gives me a good skillset that I could use in the workforce.”
“DJ club is a group full of a bunch of wackos who all love music and are working on improving themselves and Reagan through that music regardless of what it may be,” said Chloe when she was asked to summarize what DJ club is. For those who are interested in joining DJ club, Chloe has this advice, “If you’re thinking about it, do it. Don’t let your insecurities get you down!” DJ club is a fulfilling extra curricular activity that with practice and dedication is quite rewarding. “We are one big dysfunctional family that supports each other.” Chloe's sees and predicts improvement in the DJ club’s use of different genres, exploration of them, and learning to genre hop while DJing. She also hopes to see greater female involvement within the club. “So many girls think they can’t do it, but they can...the business as a whole is male dominated...It can be intimidating to walk in a room and there’s only one other girl in the room.” Ultimately Chloe has grown as a DJ over here years here at Reagan, and she is looking forward to continuing her DJ experience!
Freshman Kris Johnson shares his first impression of DJ club, “I thought it was dumb at first, but then people encouraged me to join and after the first meeting I really enjoyed it. Ever since I kept wanting to come back,” said Kris when recalling his first impression of DJ club. Kris had no knowledge of DJing prior to joining the club, but now he has learned how to identify music by sound, how genres can mix together, how to create a smooth transition between song, scratching, and mixing. With these new skills he is hoping to DJ at family parties, school dances, and perhaps even having a music education/career. “Listening to music, hanging with people, being able to dance whenever I want and the freedom from my house,” are just a few of Kris’s favorite things about DJ club that he hopes every member is able to enjoy.
The club has had multiple outside advisors over the years that are or were professional DJs. After at least two years of not having a professional advisor, the club has one yet again. The new advisor - DJ Bizzon - got involved with Reagan after a friend recommended him for the job; however, he originally heard about the club from his friend and former Reagan student Juan “DJ Whyte Nite” Guzman. He first started DJing after just going out and buying turntables. He was interested in putting together his own music, and he has been professionally DJing since 2007. Specifically for the last six years he has been teaching the art of DJing to youth. “I really enjoy teaching DJing and sharing the culture behind it. I want to expose the youth to the reality of the DJ world and how it can be a creative outlet for them,” he stated.
DJ Bizzon’s goal for the year is for the members to improve their skills on the turntables, such as blending, scratching, and juggling. He wants them to feel more comfortable in front of crowds which includes being better prepared and talking on the microphone. He also wants them to use their own style to create and bring a better mix of music to events, rather than have the same music play over and over again at each dance. “Everyone’s skills have improved and I’ve seen more collaboration. They want each other to succeed and do well,” he said. In regards to the future of the club, he would love to have more equipment so the members could have more direct time to practice. Currently he’s working on bringing in guests and getting the club more gigs outside of Reagan.
“DJing is important because students will be able to take their increased confidence and use it in any aspect of their life, such as interviewing for a job, trying new things, interacting with family and friends, and so much more,” said DJ Bizzon.
DJ Club began with just a couple of kids. “It’s always extremely popular at the beginning of the year, until kids realize that it’s going to take practice and commitment...I always tell students that if you want to be in DJ Club, then all you have to do is show up for DJ Club,” said Mr. Murphy. The music teacher continues on to say, “If you show up regularly, then you're in the club and once you feel comfortable, we’ll put you in front of the school.” Starting DJs usually begin by performing at lunches or small gigs to get some practice. Then they can work up to playing at the school dances. Mr. Murphy says one of the things he like most about the club is, “If anyone doesn’t like the music, they can join DJ club and do it themselves.” This is one of the possible solutions to a concern brought up in an editorial the Husky Howler Editorial Board published last year about the lack of diversity in the music DJ club was selecting to play for students. This year the club is aiming to widen the genres they are experimenting with by taking on new members who all bring their own personal set of diverse musical interests, participating in more gigs, and learning new skills from an advisor that is a professional DJ.
Mr. Murphy continued to say, “DJ club is an excellent way to involve non-traditional music students… I have students in DJ club who aren’t in music classes.” That kind of uniqueness adds different skills and taste in how the members listen and perform music.
This club definitely is a learning experience. “They all stink in the beginning,” Mr. Murphy stated honestly. “They then begin build confidence and musically they start to become more aware of music.” These are just some of the developments Mr. Murphy has noticed from his students. To gain even more experience, the club goes on field trips to DJ at other schools. This, in a way, promotes Reagan. “A lot of students have chosen to go to Reagan because we have a DJ club,” he said. The skills the students develop and the experiences they go through do end up impacting their futures. Josue Mendoza and Juan Guzman are two prime examples of how DJ club impacted the lives of students at Reagan. Both alumni had leadership roles in the club and are now professional DJs. Mr. Murphy stays in touch with the two students and continues to provide them with opportunities. If there ever is an event where DJ club cannot attend, Mr. Murphy reaches out to them and offers them the job.
“The big plan is we want to replicate DJ club throughout the district. We don’t want to be the only DJ club.” said Mr. Murphy This would create more diverse students as they learn and work with music from different cultures. This plan would also alleviate some of the pressures that come with being a member. The club and their talents are in high demand. Having more professionally trained DJs would mean there are more sources for schools when it comes to meeting their DJ needs.
Junior Chloe Weithofer recalls the first time she encountered DJ club, “I remember eighth grade looking at Reagan and going to their open house and seeing DJ club’s little table...I’ve always wanted to get into music so seeing that actually ended up being a determining factor about whether or not I went to here or King.” She decided to attend Reagan and first thing freshman year, she joined the club with no prior experience. “It was just so much fun and I just stuck with it and every year has just been something new,” said Chloe. This member learned mixing, how to pick out bpms (beats per minute), what genres move together, and so much more. Chloe is learning the skills that will help her get a one up in the music business, a business she is hoping to enter. The member continued on and said that, “For now it’s a great hobby that I love to have, that also gives me a good skillset that I could use in the workforce.”
“DJ club is a group full of a bunch of wackos who all love music and are working on improving themselves and Reagan through that music regardless of what it may be,” said Chloe when she was asked to summarize what DJ club is. For those who are interested in joining DJ club, Chloe has this advice, “If you’re thinking about it, do it. Don’t let your insecurities get you down!” DJ club is a fulfilling extra curricular activity that with practice and dedication is quite rewarding. “We are one big dysfunctional family that supports each other.” Chloe's sees and predicts improvement in the DJ club’s use of different genres, exploration of them, and learning to genre hop while DJing. She also hopes to see greater female involvement within the club. “So many girls think they can’t do it, but they can...the business as a whole is male dominated...It can be intimidating to walk in a room and there’s only one other girl in the room.” Ultimately Chloe has grown as a DJ over here years here at Reagan, and she is looking forward to continuing her DJ experience!
Freshman Kris Johnson shares his first impression of DJ club, “I thought it was dumb at first, but then people encouraged me to join and after the first meeting I really enjoyed it. Ever since I kept wanting to come back,” said Kris when recalling his first impression of DJ club. Kris had no knowledge of DJing prior to joining the club, but now he has learned how to identify music by sound, how genres can mix together, how to create a smooth transition between song, scratching, and mixing. With these new skills he is hoping to DJ at family parties, school dances, and perhaps even having a music education/career. “Listening to music, hanging with people, being able to dance whenever I want and the freedom from my house,” are just a few of Kris’s favorite things about DJ club that he hopes every member is able to enjoy.
The club has had multiple outside advisors over the years that are or were professional DJs. After at least two years of not having a professional advisor, the club has one yet again. The new advisor - DJ Bizzon - got involved with Reagan after a friend recommended him for the job; however, he originally heard about the club from his friend and former Reagan student Juan “DJ Whyte Nite” Guzman. He first started DJing after just going out and buying turntables. He was interested in putting together his own music, and he has been professionally DJing since 2007. Specifically for the last six years he has been teaching the art of DJing to youth. “I really enjoy teaching DJing and sharing the culture behind it. I want to expose the youth to the reality of the DJ world and how it can be a creative outlet for them,” he stated.
DJ Bizzon’s goal for the year is for the members to improve their skills on the turntables, such as blending, scratching, and juggling. He wants them to feel more comfortable in front of crowds which includes being better prepared and talking on the microphone. He also wants them to use their own style to create and bring a better mix of music to events, rather than have the same music play over and over again at each dance. “Everyone’s skills have improved and I’ve seen more collaboration. They want each other to succeed and do well,” he said. In regards to the future of the club, he would love to have more equipment so the members could have more direct time to practice. Currently he’s working on bringing in guests and getting the club more gigs outside of Reagan.
“DJing is important because students will be able to take their increased confidence and use it in any aspect of their life, such as interviewing for a job, trying new things, interacting with family and friends, and so much more,” said DJ Bizzon.
GIRL POWER!: the bold girls of Reagan’s wrestling team
CALLIE SPICE
The Lady Huskies Reach for the Championship One Game at a Time
Freedom Gobel
“You need to be competitive to win. If you don't want it, you're not gonna have it,” proclaimed current varsity basketball player, Jaiya Edwards.
A new season has begun for high school basketball, and the varsity girls’ team has their eye on the prize - the city conference championship. Coached and led by first-year varsity coach, Ms. Kathryn O’Connor, the team plans to prosper with its highly competitive disposition.
“This year I expect us to work hard in practice and games so we can finally take the city championship title. To play varsity basketball you need more than just basic skills and talents like layups, jump shots, free throws, and the ability to shuffle. You need skills like teamwork, communication, sportsmanship, leadership, and humbleness. Varsity is fast paced and, in MPS, you need those essential skills to survive,” said sophomore varsity player, Mya Salinas.
Teammate and friend, Jaiya Edwards, commented, “You need to know the game in order to play the game. When it comes to talent, you should have good passing, good communication, a decent shot, and be able to dribble a ball at the very least.”
O’Connor mentioned, “You'll never be the best unless you strive to be the best. Often times that will mean competing with others,” and her players carry that mentality as well, showing that hard work outside of practice is not only beneficial, but imperative.
“Conditioning outside of practice is key,” advised both players. Basketball, according to Salinas and Edwards, is a full year sport that requires attention even during the off season. Showing up without extra work put in brings down the team, and skill (as well as physical ability in general) becomes much harder to get back to its full potential. Salinas participates in other organized sports to stay in shape, and Edwards focuses on healthy eating and cardiovascular endurance training.
As far as O’Connor’s basketball experience is concerned, student assumptions are mostly likely flawed due to witnessing her fall in the staff vs. senior basketball game last Spring. “Contrary to the belief of some students, I've played a lot of basketball in my life. I stopped playing competitively after I graduated from Marquette, where I played on the club team,” said O’Connor.
A common goal for the varsity girls this year (as well as many Reagan sports and clubs), is to show that the Huskies have what it takes to win. “I really want to show these other schools out because I know they doubt us,” said Edwards. Salinas agreed, saying that even though they may be seen as ‘underprivileged MPS’, success is still possible, and it is coming their way.
“When we step out on the court, we show class and wear the name ‘Reagan’ on our jerseys proud,” concluded O’Connor.
A new season has begun for high school basketball, and the varsity girls’ team has their eye on the prize - the city conference championship. Coached and led by first-year varsity coach, Ms. Kathryn O’Connor, the team plans to prosper with its highly competitive disposition.
“This year I expect us to work hard in practice and games so we can finally take the city championship title. To play varsity basketball you need more than just basic skills and talents like layups, jump shots, free throws, and the ability to shuffle. You need skills like teamwork, communication, sportsmanship, leadership, and humbleness. Varsity is fast paced and, in MPS, you need those essential skills to survive,” said sophomore varsity player, Mya Salinas.
Teammate and friend, Jaiya Edwards, commented, “You need to know the game in order to play the game. When it comes to talent, you should have good passing, good communication, a decent shot, and be able to dribble a ball at the very least.”
O’Connor mentioned, “You'll never be the best unless you strive to be the best. Often times that will mean competing with others,” and her players carry that mentality as well, showing that hard work outside of practice is not only beneficial, but imperative.
“Conditioning outside of practice is key,” advised both players. Basketball, according to Salinas and Edwards, is a full year sport that requires attention even during the off season. Showing up without extra work put in brings down the team, and skill (as well as physical ability in general) becomes much harder to get back to its full potential. Salinas participates in other organized sports to stay in shape, and Edwards focuses on healthy eating and cardiovascular endurance training.
As far as O’Connor’s basketball experience is concerned, student assumptions are mostly likely flawed due to witnessing her fall in the staff vs. senior basketball game last Spring. “Contrary to the belief of some students, I've played a lot of basketball in my life. I stopped playing competitively after I graduated from Marquette, where I played on the club team,” said O’Connor.
A common goal for the varsity girls this year (as well as many Reagan sports and clubs), is to show that the Huskies have what it takes to win. “I really want to show these other schools out because I know they doubt us,” said Edwards. Salinas agreed, saying that even though they may be seen as ‘underprivileged MPS’, success is still possible, and it is coming their way.
“When we step out on the court, we show class and wear the name ‘Reagan’ on our jerseys proud,” concluded O’Connor.