Analy High School Girls Basketball Season Preview

Analy High School basketball is gearing up for a new season, and all eyes are on the team as they prepare to take on their toughest opponents yet. We had the privilege of speaking with Coach Ben Morita, who gave us some insight into the team's goals, challenges, and players to watch for this upcoming season. Looking back at last season, the team's top returning players are going to be crucial in leading the team to success. One player to watch is Shawnessy Conway O'Neil, who stands out for her unselfishness, leadership, and defensive presence. Coach Morita praises her quickness and vision, which sets the tone for their style of play. O’Neil’s ability to make quick decisions and prioritize the team's success over individual accomplishments will be a key asset for Analy High School. But the biggest challenge for the team this year has been preparing for the season amidst a rebuilding phase. Coach Morita emphasizes the importance of the team-first mentality, where every player's contribution, no matter how small, matters. The coach believes that recognizing these contributions and maintaining a team-first mindset will keep everyone motivated and driven to achieve their common goal. When it comes to the team's schedule, it's safe to say that Analy High School is not shying away from any tough opponents. With Cardinal Newman and Maria Carillo coming off strong playoff runs last season, every game against them will be a battle. However, Coach Morita also recognizes the challenges within their division, with the addition of Windsor and Rancho Cotate. He believes that these tough match-ups will push the team to their limits and help them grow as players. As a first-year coach for Analy High School, Coach Morita has had to adjust his coaching style to fit this particular team. With the team's depth and athleticism, their strength lies in playing with intensity and speed. However, the challenge will be integrating all players into a cohesive unit, especially on the offensive end. To achieve this, the team will focus on situational plays and decision-making in practice, ensuring that they find the best shot for the team while staying disciplined defensively. But beyond the game, Coach Morita's philosophy focuses on developing a team that values hard work, intelligence, and unity. In line with this, the team also engages in activities and fundraisers to promote team bonding and a strong sense of community within the team.