This Week in Athletics
January 24, 2020
With only a few games left for all teams, the winter season is in the home stretch, and the term successful would be an accurate one to describe the season to date. Athletes are competing with vigor in the pool, on the fields, and in the gym. For many, league titles are within reach, and the possibility of competing in their respective sectional playoffs are in sight. This should be an exciting finish to an already incredible winter season.
Girls varsity basketball has posted a seven-game winning streak since starting their season 0-2. Most recently, they picked up decisive wins over league foes, Providence and La Reina. The team has been led by various players in all their games, but in the four games since returning from break it has been the hot shooting of sophomore Meena Baher and the inside presence of senior Maya Blattberg and junior Deborah Brittain. The Rams sit in first place in the league with half of the league schedule still to play.
As for the boys team, they have been equally as impressive. They went into the winter break on a five-game winning streak, but unfortunately, they dropped a heartbreaking triple overtime game at Thacher coming out of break. Said Coach Gil, “Thacher played harder than us today and were the aggressor and out-boarded us.” The team followed that loss with three dominating wins over Providence, Grace Brethren and Laguna Blanca. Led by seniors Khadim Pouye and Ethan Ng, the boys look poised for a run at the league title and redemption on Thacher when they visit the Mesa at the end of the month.
Although the girls water polo team has not experienced the results in the win-loss column they had hoped for this season, the team continues to work hard week-in and week-out. A young, relentless group is learning a complex game and taking it in stride. Senior Lucy Van der Reis and junior Ryan Lack have shared time keeping opposing teams out of the net. Up top, it has been the strong play of senior Marissa Strauss, as well as the sophomore tandem of Alekha Rao and Tori Trimble, that have defenses staying alert.
The girls soccer team has continued their great play out of the break. They have posted two wins over league opponents — La Reina and St. Bonaventure — while competing to a hard-fought draw with a very good Foothill Tech team. The Rams have been led from the goal line out. Junior goalkeeper Taylor Kane has been outstanding and the group in front of her have been equal to the task, led by senior co-captains Kim Rogers, Neema Mugofwa, and Grace Blankenhorn. With three games left in the regular season, the group looks to finish strong and put themselves in position for a playoff run.
As difficult as it would be to outperform their fellow classmates’ success, the boys soccer team might be doing just that, as they are undefeated on the season. Their most recent victory came on a last-minute goal to down rival Foothill Tech, who prior to that game was the only team to not be defeated by the Rams, playing to a 2-2 draw earlier in the season. Senior co-captain Buba Fofanah and sophomore Daniel Boateng have been unstoppable this season. The two look as if they have been playing alongside one another for years. With playoffs in sight, the team looks to avoid a misstep with three league opponents still on the schedule and a possible league title.
For all post-game recaps, please go to Game Recaps in the Media Hub section on the school website. You may also click on the link below.