In the echoing confines of Poly’s gymnasium, where the squeaks of sneakers mingle with the echoing cheers of supporters, the Poly girls varsity basketball team is quietly etching its mark. With an 11-15 overall record and a 6-6 record in league play, the Panthers secured their spot in the CIF playoffs, but unfortunately lost 24-60 to St. Bonaventure on Thursday, Feb. 8.
The Panthers’ journey this season has been characterized by steady progress and resilience. While their record reflects a mix of wins and losses, each game has provided an opportunity for the team to showcase their evolving skills and unity on the court.
Injuries have plagued the team throughout the season, resulting in an inconsistent starting lineup that initially struggled to find stability and cohesion on the court. Similar problems arose as a new coaching staff found their way into the picture.
Junior Akira Brown stated, “We’ve had a lot of coaching changes in the past four years, so it is nice to know that Coach Kay will continue to be our head coach for next year. She is much tougher than the other coaches we have had and expects a lot more from us, but this has made everyone more disciplined and have a higher work rate. She really has created a culture about working hard, and it has been really good for the team.”
Towards the end of their Prep League season, sophomore Chloe Jeng, the team’s captain, quit. Even when confronted with these challenges, the players remained steadfast in their pursuit of excellence. Using every practice and every game as an opportunity for growth and development.
When asked about the team’s season, head coach Kianna Flannagan emphasized their focus on internal growth and unity. “Our goal was to focus on ourselves and grow even more disciplined and cohesive,” Flannagan asserted. Whether they emerged victorious or faced defeat, the Panthers approached each moment with the same level of determination and grit.
Some of their best wins this season were against formidable opponents Mayfield 37-33 and Chadwick 52-26. These wins underscore the team’s ability to compete at a high level.
Senior Evelyn Younger reflected on the team’s journey, emphasizing the cohesive bond that fuels their performance. “We have a lot of players that bring intensity to the game,” Younger shared. “We play pretty cohesively and have grown a lot closer over time.”
Senior Kamryn Chan also commented, “We’ve grown a lot over the course of the season in terms of both individual skill and team communication. Though we faced several challenges and setbacks, our team really came together to push through them all. I’m confident the strong bonds will take the team far next year, and I’m excited to see what they’ll do. ”
Although the 2023-2024 ended on a disappointing note, the Panthers are focused on remembering the highlights of a good season rather than a single loss. Moving forward, the team plans to come back stronger and better, hopefully making a run deep into the CIF playoffs next year.
