Canyon Hills High School's girls' basketball team is gearing up for an exciting and successful season, with a strong lineup of returning players and talented newcomers. As the team continues to focus on building chemistry and improving on last year's success, Coach Frank Quinones is optimistic about their potential and the impact each player brings to the court.
The top returning players from last season include senior center Addison Carr, senior guard Lucia Arlotto, senior forward Miranda Pena, senior forward Kianna Shakespeare, junior guard Kaela Sancha, and freshman guards London Waggnor, Sophia Wilson, and Natalie Mihajlovic. These players have all played together for four years and are expected to lead the team's success on and off the court.
However, the addition of three strong freshmen players, London Waggnor, Sophia Wilson, and Natalie Mihajlovic, will definitely make an immediate impact on the team. Their skills and dedication to the game will contribute to the team's success this season. When it comes to selecting team captains, Coach Quinones looks for players who are not only skilled on the court but also possess qualities such as being vocal and supportive.
Battling for the role of captain are Anayla Soulo, London Waggnor, Sophia Wilson, and Natalie Mihajlovic. Their leadership and positive attitude will be crucial in motivating and guiding the team to their full potential. To build a strong team dynamic, the coaching staff has planned numerous team bonding activities outside of the gym.
These activities include attending college basketball games, participating in a Secret Santa party, helping low-income children with a Christmas shopping spree, and engaging in beach workouts and hikes. These events will help the team to not only bond, but also to develop trust, respect, and communication on and off the court. Coach Quinones motivates his players by fostering healthy competition within the team.
During practices, five players are chosen to wear white jerseys, indicating they worked hard in the previous practice or game and are considered starters. This motivates those wearing red jerseys to work harder and earn their spot as a starter. Additionally, every drill is turned into a competition, further pushing the players to give their best effort.
Preparing for the season has not been without its challenges. With a strong focus on building team chemistry and improving skills, the coaching staff has worked on implementing a rigorous training and conditioning program.
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