The Poly girls varsity basketball team marches onto the court as determination sets in. As the whistle blows, the players move with precision, passing the ball skillfully and searching for the perfect opportunity to shoot. Later in the game, Sophomore Harper Doyle delivers a well-placed cross-court pass to a teammate, who halts the ball, swifts past the defender and charges towards the net. She winds up, strikes and sends the ball soaring into the net with a resounding swoosh. The crowd erupts, the scoreboard flips, and Poly takes the lead.
With a 17-5 overall record and 7-1 record in league, the Panthers have had a strong season thus far. They have approached every day with grit, and it’s reflected on the court. Recently, the Poly team had a dominant 82-20 victory at home versus EF Academy where they shot the ball with ease, putting up their highest point-total of the season.
A key to Poly’s success this season has been their depth and versatility. Head Coach Kianna Flannagan has utilized a diverse roster, ensuring contributions from every player. Doyle explained, “We have been focusing a lot on learning how each person on the team plays basketball, and their different strengths and weaknesses. This helps everyone understand what we need to do in order to push each other and get the results we want.” This strategy not only keeps all the players energized on the court but also provides valuable varsity experience for underclassmen, setting up Poly for continued success in the future.
Much of the team’s success also stems from their collective experience. Many players bring years of experience with them, as well as a deep understanding of the game. Junior guard Areni Ohanian noted, “Our team is mostly sophomores and this year being their second year has made it easier for them to play and be more familiar with the way of play because they are more experienced than freshman year. This has been helpful because we are playing teams and winning games we lost last year because our team has gotten comfortable and knows how to play together.”
While the team has performed exceptionally well this season, there are still areas for improvement. Doyle contributed, “Our main weakness is our communication. Our communication affects our defense a lot because we aren’t always aware on the court.” With the success the team has had this season, it’s clear that if they can work out these issues, the sky is the limit.
Overall, the Poly varsity girls basketball team has had a great season thus far. With playoffs on the horizon, we are all very excited to see what the team’s future holds in store. As the second half of league and post season approaches, the team continues to improve, putting themselves in a position for a deep playoff run.
