Despite the loss of the leading scorer and defender Angie Ruiz, ’09 alumna, the team this season did not disappoint their Warrior fans.

The record overall was 12-7 taking the girls to playoffs for the sixth time in a row.

The girls worked very hard in practice with the guys’ basketball team.  “I liked playing with the boys.  It was better to actually play against people than air,” said guard Caree Morley.

Coach Joel Simonds said about  his new experience, “Adding the girls into my schedule wasn’t as difficult as I thought it would be because the girls had a great attitude.

“I had a great experience working with the girls.  I think the girls have been good for so long that I didn’t want to ruin it.  Their game is a little different than the guys.  The girls try to do what you ask them to do.  It’s a different expectation level,” said Coach Simonds.

The team grew stronger together through all of the grueling games and practices. They played through numerous injuries and have fought like Warriors in their games.

Rita Batarse, senior, dealt with black eyes from games and played through her right ankle injuries. Pokey Lopez, sophomore, played well despite her numerous physical pains.

“Although I had no serious injuries, it was difficult for me to catch really hard passes, to know when to shoot and to have the courage to be aggressive,” said Morley.

According to Simonds, the seniors were definitely a focal point of the team.  “They had moments where they played really well and really struggled.

“Rita and Hannah had shin problems; we were already shorthanded, and it was making things more difficult.

“I thought that Thalia had an outstanding improvement over the course of the year.  She started not being able to do a lot and ended up being one of the best team defense players.  She was the biggest positive surprise.

“As for the other girls, Caree showed a lot of improvement over last year at being more agressive,” said Coach Simonds.

“The playoff game was key to me.  It was important to keep the tradition.”  – Coach Joel Simonds.

“Alyssa became an outstanding defensive player. We played at Eastside, and Caree didn’t play because she was sick.  Priscilla fouled out with six minutes left, and we were winning by six. I made Alyssa guard the ball.  She was almost at full court press by herself,” said Coach Simonds

“We won by ten, not that Alyssa played by herself.  It was such a great win at being so shorthanded.  The girls started to believe individually that they could be pretty good,” Simonds added.

Heading to playoffs for the sixth time in a row, the girls’ hard work paid off. The girls defeated the Rough Riders of Perris in the first round of playoffs. However, in the second round, the girls struggled to stay consistent in their game against Lake Arrowhead Christian.

“The Eagles gained a significantly substantial lead in the second quarter that we could not reach,” said power forward Hannah Berg.

“We had a chance to win with a little bit of luck.  The playoff game was key to me.  It was important to keep the tradition,” said Coach Simonds.

Many accomplishments have been achieved by the girls this season.  “My greatest accomplishment was making more than technical shots this season,” said Morley.

“Each girl had her strengths.  Hannah was an outstanding rebounder.  Rita was a great scorer in the post.  Pokey was a little bit of everything,” said Coach Simonds.  He added, “I was very proud of them.  They never quit.”

The season ended with a resounding success. Coach Simonds met his goal of keeping the tradition alive and hopes for the same next season.