Sanai Edwards '25 and Sam Jimenez '25
Do you want to see the best hooper in Cate history and his team dominate on the court? Do you regret missing Jengus and Tyler’s clutch drives to the basket? Do you wish you had seen T-Toms catch and shoot three-pointers? Well, don’t you worry! Both teams have had great starts to their seasons and it looks like there is no stopping them. Our Boys Varsity Basketball team traveled to Ojai this past week to compete in the Nordhoff tournament. This may have been early in their season, but they did not disappoint.
Beginning the season as the reigning Nordhoff tournament champions, there was a lot of pressure on this year's Boys Varsity Basketball team to continue the legacy. After losing six seniors last year, this team had to adjust its lineup. Freshman Josh Butler came in hard and ready to play with essential offensive assists and points. Roommates Peter Lehman and Jacob Gabbay carried their chemistry to the court with their telepathic passes to each other and outstanding defense. Seniors Marley Joseph and Jack Higgins supported the team by defensively blocking any further plays from our opponents. These new additions partnered with the team's seasoned members and helped them make history as the first Cate basketball team to beat Ventura High.
On Saturday, December 3rd, the team loaded up into the Yukons and prepared to defend their championship title. This neck-and-neck battle had fans in and out of their seats. As points went back and forth between field goals and free throws, it was anybody’s game. After three eight-minute quarters, Cate was only ahead by one point going into the final quarter. Battling unfair calls from the referees and difficult foul trouble, the boys fought hard. In the last thirty seconds, senior team captains Babacar Pouye and Jengus Ercil secured crucial threes that closed the point gap for the Rams. Unfortunately, as the clock ran down, we did not receive the desired outcome. When asked what goals he had for the rest of the season, Babacar replied “To bring home a CIF championship and make everyone a better player overall.” With the effort these boys have shown so far, this goal is within reach.
The Girls Varsity Basketball team also started the season off strong with their first game beating Nordhoff by twenty-five points. Considering their big win at home, the team was surprised at the lack of support they were shown. Holding their heads high after this incredible win, the girls traveled to Santa Barbara a week later to compete in the Bishop Diego tournament. With only one practice after Fall Break under their belt, the girls gave it their all and left satisfied with their performance on the court. Freshmen Maia Holmes and Emerson Evans quickly adapted to the team environment and played pivotal minutes in the tournament. Although they did not bring home a win, these games served as learning experiences for our very young team. Competing against opponents in higher divisions, the Lady Rams proved themselves defensively! However, in order to see this team’s progress in upcoming games you have to, as team captains Mary Foster and Talia Tom said, “SHOW UP AND BE LOUD!” The advice these captains provided their team to help them win their next games was “Don't get in your head and keep shooting even if you miss. Always have composure, don’t be selfish, and have court awareness.” With the implementation of this advice and outstanding support from its community, the Girls Varsity team might have a shot at winning a CIF championship for the first time in a while.
We are excited to see what both teams bring to the court during the rest of their season, and with packed stands, loud cheers, and overall astounding encouragement we can help them reach their goals of championship titles.
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