Crescenta Valley High School Girls Basketball Season Preview

As the new basketball season approaches, the Crescenta Valley High School girls' team is gearing up for another successful year. With a talented roster and experienced coaching staff, the Falcons are setting high goals for themselves this season. In this article, we had the opportunity to interview Coach Liana Esmaili about her team's strengths, challenges, and strategies for the upcoming season. The top returning players from last season are undoubtedly the driving force behind the team's success. One player that stands out is senior guard, Keira Calaguas. As a four-year varsity player, Calaguas brings a wealth of experience to the team and is a strong leader both on and off the court. According to Coach Esmaili, her knowledge and dedication to the game make her a valuable asset to the team. But it's not just Calaguas who brings talent to the team. The Falcons have a strong lineup of returning players, including seniors Samantha Kerns and Maya Shiota, and junior Sarah Perez. All three have been crucial in the team's previous success on the court and are expected to play a significant role this season as well. Coach Esmaili also mentioned incoming players who are expected to make an immediate impact on the team. Sophomore guard, Sydney Sutherland, and freshman forward, Bianca Dominguez, are two players to keep an eye on this season. They have already impressed the team with their skills during summer and preseason practices. When it comes to motivating her players, Coach Esmaili believes in the power of team-building activities. This year, the team will participate in an alumni game, bringing back former players to compete against the current team. This not only fosters a sense of camaraderie but also allows the players to learn from those who came before them. In addition, the team will engage in more off-court activities to build a stronger bond among the players. As with any sport, preparing for the season comes with its set of challenges. Coach Esmaili shared that reminding her players of their hard work and their goals for the season has been one of the biggest challenges. But she also emphasized the team's determination and hunger to defend their league title and make a deep playoff run this year. The mental aspect of the game plays a vital role in the team's success. Coach Esmaili revealed that defense is a significant focus for the team every year.