Women’s basketball players seem to need a pre-requisite before they hit the hardwood —Chemistry 101.
Poor team chemistry and poor grades contributed to a pedestrian 13-15 record this season, despite an enthusiastic coach and a brand new gym. Even though the team had more time to practice and two strong returners, 2017-18 dribbled away.
Head coach Janet Eleazar said the new gym portends for a brighter future that may aid with recruiting.
“It’s beautiful,” she said. “It’s amazing because we have everything that we need.”
A loss to San Diego City College in the penultimate game of the regular season cost the Lady Jaguars a chance at the playoffs.
“It was a learning experience for everyone,” said Eleazar. “I think most of the individual players have grown and as a team they’ve grown.”
Coming off of a 14-12 record and second place finish 2016 did not translate into momentum in 2017. All but co-captains Maya Lyda and Daeshya Battle transferred. Lyda said the 2017 squad did not bond.
“Since we only had two returners, and everyone is kind of new to each other and we have different styles, it was kind of hard to get chemistry,” she said. “But I feel like we are finally getting into the groove of things, so we have improved in that sense.”
Injuries and bad grades crippled the team until a 78-71 victory against San Diego Mesa in early February.
“This was the first game we’ve had our whole team together since the beginning of November,” said Eleazar.
Despite the setbacks, point guard Andrea Cavazos said the team captains stayed positive.
“The other day one of our captains sent this super-long text saying everybody’s strengths and what we as a team have to work on,” she said. “It was constructive criticism and it was really uplifting.”
Battle was a key player all year. The sophomore guard from Bonita Vista High School averaged 10.9 points per game and was named to the All-Pacific Coast Athletic Conference first team. Battle said the team chemistry improved and the newer players have “a good head on their shoulders.”
“It’s like a second family,” she said. “They actually have girls you want to play with and I’m excited to see them every day at practice. I love playing with these girls.”
Attendance at women’s basketball games was low, but Battle said performance was not affected by that.
“Our records stand for itself,” she said. “Whether we have 50 people in the stands or zero. We have on and off fans. It’s a good variety. At the end of the day, our staff is what matters.”
Next season the basketball team will have experienced returners that will continue to rebuild the program, according to assistant coach Drew Dahlstedt.
“With time and experience, next year we will be a lot better,” he said. “We had two great sophomores and had to bring a lot of freshmen. To try and get them all on the same page was not easy to do.”
