Despite the rough patch in the beginning with a few losses, the season is already looking better than the previous year. The Skyline Girls Basketball team recently beat Huron 35-30, giving them a needed boost in confidence and morale. “We only won three games last year, but have already won two this year so it’s already looking better,” says varsity captain Cassie Gonzales (‘24).
Dealing with new coaches and injury, the Eagles have had to find ways to overcome challenges. “Our ability to adapt is very good,” says Gonzales. “We find teams’ weaknesses and adjust according to them.”
During the off-season, Mike Lovelace took on the role of head coach of the Girls’ Varsity Basketball team. “Lovelace had a better plan for the season,” says varsity player Kennedy Wassef (‘26).
With the coaching changes, the team was able to develop a lot of new tactics. “I think there’s a big difference in having a lot of strategies to use against the other team,” said Gonzales. “The practices before games were focused on the team we were specifically going to play and there is a lot more consistency of the energy and the core of the team. Everything is cohesive.”
With the lack of fan support, it has been important for the team to work together and support each other. “We have to do it for ourselves because there is not anyone else supporting [us],” says Gonzales. “We have to prove ourselves and do everything we can to improve as a team.”
The varsity captain suffered an injury last spring playing lacrosse, which has not allowed her to play this season. Regardless, she has still supported the team and impacted them on and off the court. “Cassie is at every practice, and since she got injured you can tell how much she wants to play and how much we want her to play,” says varsity player Kennedy Wassef (‘26). “I think that has been very impactful to our team because it shows just how much she supports the team.”
The team is currently what is called a “building program”: working together to create a community for years to come. “Our captains are all seniors and have been playing for all of high school together so we are trying to have our one last moment and [watch] this program [turn] around and see the start of something good,” says Gonzales.