Women’s Basketball
Jump ball to start the game (Francisco Linares/The Puma Prensa)
Francisco Linares, Staff writer
The Maria Carrillo High School Women's Basketball team is on a fast track to a championship despite early struggles, from buzzer beaters to ankle breakers. Injuries have decimated this Puma squad, and as of now, they haven't played a single game with their entire roster, which consisted of only nine players to begin with. The unwavering resiliency of this squad is what makes them a top competitor.
With the right team and proper communication, anything is possible, and the Pumas have fought their way back to a winning record because of it. Head Coach Kylie Oden said the girls are very “candid with the coaching staff.” They communicate what is working and what is not, which is what all great teams must do to compete at an elite level. Coach Oden also said, “It speaks for their growth and maturity and shows that they care.”
Keeping things positive when times are tough is also a thing these Pumas do significantly well. You can tell when you watch them on the court they are playing to win and will fight till the end. Coach Oden says, “Even in down moments or a slow start, it's about the long goals, playoffs, and winning certain games, which sets us apart.” Each team member was highly optimistic about how the team was playing. The Puma Prensa asked Hanisi Daveta, the Puma’s starting strong forward, how the losses affected the team mentally. Daveta said, “Losing to the team we should have beaten lit a fire in us to come back stronger.” Daniella Silacci, the Puma’s Shooting Guard, was asked how she felt about the wins and losses. She replied, “It was a rough start…but we're…showing growth.” The starting Shooting Guard, Keira Cangson, is also very confident in the team's ability to win. The Lady Puma’s viewers may see the pressure as too much, but to them, I say, you may never get used to the pressure. You just learn to embrace it; expectations aren't a burden. They are a privilege; you may never get used to the pressure you feel on the court, but the best will succeed.
Daniella Silacci shoots a free throw (Francisco Linares/The Puma Prensa)
These Pumas excel at playing as a team and have plenty of things that make them unique from the rest of the league. Coach Oden was asked what sets this team apart, and she thinks not having “one scoring phenomenon” really benefits them. Coach Oden says, “We have a solid nine girls that can all do something to help us win…. I can name all nine of them for something they did in a game.” Returning to talking about communication, Coach Oden says their communication and technique on the court helped them succeed. “It shows how plugged in they are, especially with their basketball IQ, which you can not teach a kid. They either come with [it], and you can nurture it, or they don't.” Oden also says their basketball IQ leads them to their long-term goals.
These Pumas prowling to a division is a heavy feat, but they believe Coach Oden will lead them to success with some careful planning. The Pumas, with two games left, look to end the season with a win streak.