The Oarsman

Lady Gondos Open Season With A Seven Point Win Over Carson... At Staples Center

Thursday, December 13, 2007 By Corey Martinez

The girl’s varsity basketball team came out looking fresh on Nov. 21st with matching Adidas Pro Models at the Staples Center beating Carson High School 58-51, setting their pre-season record to 1-0. And yes, not to be corrected, at the Staples Center. The girls team was thrilled when Carson High School called and asked if they would like to relocate the Carson home game to the Staples Center. Carson said it would help fundraise money for both their teams. The girls just had to sell 80 tickets for $25. They met their goal and were able to play on the big stage. "I was really happy and excited when I learned we were playing at the Staples Center," said player Crystal Hanano. "But I was even happier when we won because the win showed that with team work and passion, we will have a great season.” Though they lost a valuable line-up from last year, they gained many willing and ready JV players such as Hanano, Sofia Husser, and Ai Takahashi. They still have experienced players including Captain Marlee Rice and Stasy Delgado. Their next game is on Dec. 13th against Taft at Taft High School and their next home game is on Jan. 7th against Fairfax High School. Team unity is extremely important to them, as seen by their matching Adidas Pro Models. They did not have any fundraising money to use towards their goal of having matching basketball shoes. Yet this did not stop them, and as a team they went together and bought matching Adidas Pro Models with their own money. "Trying to find team chemistry is something that has been very difficult for us. We are still trying to find that chemistry, because on and off the court we are a family, and this will lead us to a successful season," said starting player Delgado. "Our team couldn't be any closer,” said Captain Rice. “We're all like family. Although it all started off a little rough we are now starting to act as one. I can't wait for season to start because I have full confidence in our team."