As they made their way to Inspired Vision Academy, the anticipation ran high for BHA’s varsity girls’ basketball team. Thursday, November 7th, was their first game of the season, and after weeks of practice, the girls were ready to make their coach proud. It wasn’t just about winning the game: it was about setting the tone for what they hope will be a season filled with determination, teamwork, and growth. As they warmed up for their game, the bleachers filled with parents and friends, who were ready to cheer for their BHA Stars.
The first quarter began, and the varsity girls were ready to prove themselves on the court. From the very first whistle, it was clear that these girls were not going to back down easily. The team came out with intensity, quickly establishing their presence on both defending and offending sides of the ball. Player Laila Morgan, a sophomore, made the first breakthrough with a smooth layup, a shot made from a path directly near the basket, setting the tone for the rest of the game.
Point after point, the BHA Stars dominated the court for the first half, using clever tactics and flawless teamwork to get their way. That’s not to say they weren’t met with obstacles though; the opposing team’s offensive skills were well-polished, and the Stars had to work hard to make sure they didn’t score any points. By halftime, the score was looking phenomenal: 0 to 40 for the BHA Stars. However, the basketball coach, Coach Kisa, wanted to make sure that the players didn’t get too overconfident. “Coach told us that even though we were forty points up, it was like we were still at zero zero,” says sophomore basketball player Tahreem Aftab.
“Success isn’t measured by points, but by improvement.” Basketball is never just about winning, but also about learning to work with others in a team, and continuously improving. Though the scoreboard would ultimately determine the outcome, the real victory for the team was the opportunity to come together, build chemistry, and start their journey toward a successful season.
As the second half unfolded, the game became a true test of endurance and mental toughness. Fatigue set in, but the varsity girls continued to push through, relying on their teamwork to stay competitive. “Something the entire team needs to work on is definitely discipline, and making sure we’re disciplined during the entire game,” states varsity basketball-coach Kisa Duncan. “But we definitely scored a lot of points in the first due to a good defense.” This claim seems to be backed up by many others, saying that most points scored came from layups and defending the ball from the other team’s attempts.
As the second half came to the end, the scoreboard revealed an absolute victory for our Stars; they won 76-3! As the team celebrated, Coach Kisa reminded them that this was an overall good first game, and an opportunity to prepare for a much harder season. As said by player Zeina Elhamadany, “The key to our win today was our confident mindset,” she says while celebrating with teammates. “But, we could improve the execution of offensive plays against better defending teams in the future.”
All things considered, the first game of the season for our Varsity girl’s basketball team was a complete success. Though there is room for improvement, the team showed true passion for their sport and determination to win. Practices for basketball will continue to happen daily, to help refine the team’s skills ‘and hone in on any weaknesses. With exceptional performances from all players, the varsity girls have proven they have the talent, teamwork, and drive to succeed this season. As they look ahead to their next game, their focus is clear: continue building on their strengths, learn from their tough moments, and keep pushing toward their ultimate goal.
