On Feb. 4, Aragon’s varsity girls basketball team (13-7 overall, 6-2 Peninsula Athletic League)* faced Mills (9-9 overall, 3-6 PAL)* at home on Senior Night and won 52-28.
The Dons’ all-senior starting lineup opened the game by sinking two 3-point shots, giving them an early lead. They relied on their strong defensive skills throughout the first quarter, forcing numerous turnovers and fighting on the floor for the ball. At the end of the first quarter, the Dons were up 20-3.
Their momentum continued through the second quarter, starting with a layup by senior point guard and captain Jordan Beaumont, as Aragon entered halftime with a score of 30-13.
The Dons persisted with their strong defense throughout the second half, converting turnovers to deep 3s to maintain their lead and using full-court pressure to hold off Mills.
“This is our second game that we tried full court press,” Beaumont said. “We struggled a bit with conditioning … but because we had so much adrenaline, [it helped us] overcome that problem.”
At the end of the game, Aragon stepped off the court with another win in hand.
“[I’m] ecstatic,” Beaumont said. “All four of [the seniors] have been on varsity since we were freshmen and I think it’s so cool how we’ve built the program. I think we played really well.”
Senior Night allowed the Dons to reflect on the role the seniors play on their team and to look forward to next year.
“The seniors are the culture and the culture is always the person,” said head coach Sam Manu. “Our seniors have really carried that responsibility of having a culture where we don’t try to be cliquish. They’ve really made it so that everybody feels like [they’re being respected].”
For other players on the team, the close of the season is a chance for younger players to learn from seniors who will be graduating soon.
“We’re really trying to make sure that we utilize the seniors as much as possible to establish good habits,” said junior shooting guard Madeleine McGinty. “I think it’s really important to make sure that we … learn from them as much as possible.”
“The seniors are the culture and the culture is always the person”
For the seniors of the team, making the Central Coast Section playoffs is a goal that represents the culmination of their years of playing basketball.
“I was trying not to get emotional [and] telling myself it’s just basketball,” said senior point guard and captain Beth Parangan. “I think I’m just looking forward to playoffs.”
As their season comes to a close, the girls basketball team have had their fair share of successes as well as obstacles. The recent increase in COVID-19 cases has affected all sports teams and the girls basketball team is adapting by testing weekly.
The team has been relying on their unity to propel them through the season.
“We’re getting the hang of connecting as a team and playing together more,” McGinty said. “Building chemistry goes … with trusting each other and having awareness of where people are on the court and making sure that everyone knows the plays and the options.”
The close-knit team members try to lift each other up before games.
“We choose to just encourage each other to try our best,” Parangan said. “It really humbles us before the game because it’s not about us. We’re just here to play and leave it all on the court.”
On the court, the starting five players are all upperclassmen, but the majority of the players on the team are sophomores. Having played together last year, the team knows how to work together to hone their skills.
“We have a lot of respect and love for each other,” Parangan said. “We take into consideration that there are some things we may not know … and we respect each other enough to correct each other and even call each other out.”
“It’s not about us. … We’re just here to play and leave it all on the court”
The Dons’ chemistry and unique team dynamics push them to work harder towards their goal of reaching the CCS finals.
“Our motto is ‘Do what you have to do so you can do what you want to do,’” Manu said. “It’s just a work ethic that we have. If you want to join girls varsity, you have to put in the work.”
To achieve that goal, the Dons practice free throws daily during lunch and have two-hour practices after school and on Saturdays. They also arrive early to games and practices with one another.
This year, the Dons are focusing on emphasizing their defensive skills.
“I think [we’re strong defensively] because of our practice and our [repetitions],” Beaumont said. “Just our dedication coming to the gym during lunch, practicing every day and communicating [in] calling screens.”
Manu agreed, adding that the Dons’ strong work ethic contributes to their defensive success.
“Defense doesn’t require that much [natural] skill,” Manu said. “You don’t have to jump high, you don’t have to be super quick. You have to want it … and you have to work at it … and we take pride in that.”
Looking ahead, the Dons will play an away game against Hillsdale* (20-1 overall, 10-0 PAL) on Feb. 11 at 6 p.m.
*Records as of Feb. 7.
