Life On The Court

Nervously stepping onto the court with the fans cheering, it is time for tip-off.  “Why did they put her on the court, she can’t play,” said a person in the stands.  It is difficult being a first year player on the girls’ basketball team. 

The spotlight falls on a player when its time to make foul shots and your team is counting on you to make them.   Stepping to the foul I hear from the opposing stands “don’t let her get the ball” and that really hurts my self-esteem. I start to doubt my abilities but support from my teammates and coaches keep me going.

Despite my doubts, I love playing basketball because my team supports me when I mess up.  “Keep going, don’t stop,” said senior Tessa Gallagher who plays varsity.   Practice is where we learn to play together.  We practice daily for two hours. I enjoy the 30-second layup drill because I am improving each time. There is nothing better than receiving “Good job, Iyesha!” from Coach Bruce Duffner.

I’m really glad that I went out for the basketball team because it’s something that I really love to do even though it is challenging. Basketball helps me stay in shape and stay active. It is a great way to meet people, learn basketball and build confidence.

Chante Thompson(#20) practicing her foul shots before the start of the first quarter against Eastmoor Academy. West lost 27 to 39.

Coach Myers talking to junior varsity before going into second quarter.

Sara Morrbel (23) talking to Iyesha Williams(34) as the JV scores points in the second half.