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The Paly Voice

The Student News Site of Palo Alto High School

The Paly Voice

The Student News Site of Palo Alto High School

The Paly Voice

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Girls' hoops has high hopes

Watching the Paly girls’ varsity basketball team during practice, there is little question whether this disciplined group has great potential to succeed. As junior point guard Ranecia Fields repeatedly calls out plays, the squad executes them smoothly with aggressive camaraderie.

The team has been practicing together for a few weeks now and is excited about the upcoming season, where their dedication should pay off. The girls had a good showing in scrimmage against Fremont on Nov. 16 and are eagerly awaiting their first official home game against St. Francis this Tuesday, Nov. 23 at 7 p.m. in the big gym.

“I’m looking forward to the season and playing with the team, because we’ve been playing together for a long time, and it’s fun,” said returning junior Megan Grant.

The girls have their work cut out for them this year, as they have a tough record to beat. Last year, after winning the SCVAL title for the third consecutive time, the team went on to make history as the first Lady Vikes ever to make it to CCS semifinals. Unfortunately, the girls have lost five phenomenal players to graduation, including 03-04 league MVP Jossy Tseng and league-honored Sara Schulte and Savannah Hayes. Nonetheless, head coach Amy Stock isn’t too worried.

“We had a lot of younger players on varsity last year, and they got a lot of experience, so hopefully that will help us,” Stock said.

Though they have only one returning senior, the other 5 returning members are juniors.

“We have a lot of juniors [8] on the team, so we want those juniors to improve as individuals, as well as a team,” Stock said.

Stock is certain of great achievements from her girls in any case. In addition to winning twenty games, her goals for the season include winning the league title and “that we make it to CCS again, and have another successful post-season."

“I’m expecting a lot from all of them,” Stock said. “I’m hoping we all come together and gel as a team. I’m hoping for a really good year.”

Returning junior guard Melody Gaal is anticipating support from the Paly community to encourage her and her teammates.

“The eight quad nights that we’re going to have should be a lot of fun,” Gaal said. “The game is always more fun when you have packed bleachers.”

As a team, the Lady Vikes are set on continuing their reputation as champions.

“We’re small number-wise, height-wise and grade-wise,” Gaal said, “but we’re the kind of team that never gives up. We have determination and stamina, and that’s what’s going to win the games.”

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