As the Saratoga High School basketball team gears up for the new season, Coach Lori Gragnola is feeling positive about their chances for success. With a mix of experienced seniors and young, talented players, the Saratoga Falcons have the potential to make a big impact on the court.
One of the key factors for success this season, according to Coach Gragnola, is teamwork. As the saying goes, "teamwork makes the dream work." The team will need to work together and be a united front in order to be successful. This is something that has been emphasized in practice and will continue to be a focus throughout the season.
The team is led by five experienced seniors, Kali Duvvuri, Sam Kau, Eric Norris, Edmund Hsu, and Scottie Rich, who have been playing on the varsity team since their sophomore year. These seniors bring a wealth of experience and leadership to the team, making them crucial to the team's success. Coach Gragnola also mentioned that these seniors will rotate as captains throughout the season, with Kali being on the floor as a captain in every game.
On the other end of the spectrum, the team also has four freshmen playing on the varsity team this year. Despite their age, these players are an integral part of the team and serve as building blocks for the future. Dawson Yeh, Anson Hulme, Lawrence He, and Ahmed Abdalla all bring different skills and energy to the team, proving that age is just a number when it comes to their contribution on the court.
Aside from the players on the court, Coach Gragnola is also focusing on bringing the JV and Varsity programs together. Building trust and camaraderie between the two teams is important for the overall success of the program. To achieve this, the team has been organizing team dinners, playing games together, and engaging in playful activities to build a strong bond.
The competition in their league is tough, but Coach Gragnola believes that self-motivation will be key to their success. With limited playing time, players know they must work hard and push through in order to earn their spot on the court. This motivation and drive will be crucial in facing the challenges that come with a competitive league. However, Coach Gragnola also recognizes that her players have a lot on their plates. Between other sports, clubs, school work, and their personal lives, the players are spread thin.
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