Boys Varsity Performing to High Expectations

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January 25, 2010  
Filed under Sports, Winter

Eating, sleeping and dreaming basketball. With school every day, practice every night, and games at least two times a week, there is little time left in the day for Jefferson Saint basketball players. Its a lifestyle. “Basketball is the love of my life. It’s the only thing that, win or lose, completely relaxes me,” explains junior Daniel Zamora.

Even though hard work and winning mark a successful season, for the Saints it goes beyond the score. “My motivation for joining this team was simply being successful. I wanted to win games and make a good name for my school,” revels Eduardo Duran. “I joined so I would not get in trouble,” explains sophomore Garfield Pedraza.

Expectations all around are high. After a successful season last year, Saints still aim to achieve. Their secret? “Playing as a team, period,” explains senior Nick Gallegos. “Just playing as a team is our goal,” adds senior Jesus Olivas. Senior Daniel Taetes sums it up, “Our goal is to increase our bonds. And yes, we are getting there.”

“Varsity is doing really good,” said senior Carlos Romero. “Really what they are doing is trying to compete with last year’s team, and they are doing pretty good.”

When it comes to drills and skills, their team approach works. “Our goals as a team have been to improve all around: shooting, free throws, and driving the ball in. We’ve been meeting these goals by working very hard in practice,” elates Eduardo.

As for the season, there are numerous highlights. “I had a double-double against Clear Creek,” expresses senior Dominic James Salazar. “The highlight was when we played Summit High and David Harper stuffed someone,” said Daniel. Garfield remembers a different moment, “Skyview – my half-court shot.” Nick adds, “When we beat Ridge View in double overtime, with the win.”

“The most memorable play came when we played Kennedy and our whole team played great defense. Ringo stole the ball and saved it inbounds, passing it to me for a lay-up,” reminisces Daniel.

Next on the agenda is the game against Arrupe tonight. “We should have a chance at winning,” Dominic forecasts. “I think we have a change with every school at our level, we just have to want it more and play harder than them,” adds Eduardo.

Looking towards the playoffs, responses are positive. “We have the drive and motivation,” states Daniel. “If we all set our minds to it and put forth 100% effort, yes, we could make it,” adds Eduardo.

No matter how this team ends the season, one thing is for sure. They will leave lasting memories. “My personal goal is to leave my heart on this court at the end of my senior year. I’ve bleed for this team,” expresses Nick.

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