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Two Paths Diverged in the Road
By Jordan Ikeda
Rafu Staff Writer
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Mira Costa extends win streak against a slumping West Torrance squad.
Photos by JORDAN IKEDA/Rafu Shimpo
West High’s Clara Chai weaves her way through traffic Tuesday, Feb. 3, as West faced Mira Costa.
Mira Costa’s Kylie Nakamine knocks down a 3-pointer in the Mustang’s 67-35 victory.
Tuesday night’s varsity girl’s basketball game between West Torrance and Mira Costa saw two teams at very different points in their respective developments.
Led by senior guard Amanda Johnson’s 18 points, 7 assists and 5 steals, Mira Costa started the game scoring the first 14 points and never looked back. The final score ending with a resounding Mustang victory: 67-35.
“It’s been an up and down season so far,” sophomore Mustang guard Kylie Nakamine told The Rafu Shimpo. “We started off well but we were in a little slump, but now we’re doing a little better.”
Up and down sure does define the Mustangs’ season—one full of runs. Three wins in a row, two losses, four wins in a row, four losses. Midway into the new year, things have turned around and the team has a spotless 7-0 record in the Bay League.
“We’re really balanced this year, we bond really well,” said Nakamine, who scored an efficient 10 points on only four shots. “I’m more offensive-minded this year. I’m shooting more. Last year, Iwas more about bringing the ball up safely.”
The star backcourt of Johnson and Nakamine were equaled by the front court of Whitney Daniels and Jasmine Rutledge who filled up the stat sheet combining for 17 points, 5 assists, 6 blocks, 23 rebounds, and 6 steals.
While Mira Costa is gaining momentum heading into the playoffs in a few weeks, on the other side of the court, the West Warriors extended their losing streak to four games.
“We’re not playing very well,” said junior guard Michelle Yoshizawa who led the team with 6 points. “We would be doing better, but not as expected. We’re really short, and we’re not as fast as we should be.”
The team’s lack of height was reflected in the box score. The Warriors were destroyed on the boards giving up 17 offensive rebounds.
“I think last year’s team was talent-wise better, but this year we work better together, so I think it kind of evens out,” said senior guard Clara Chai who added 4 points.
The bar for this season was set a bit lower for the lady Warriors. The experience has not been there, evident in the team’s myriad of turnovers and in the lack of decisiveness by some of its personnel.
For starters, they have a sophomore running the show. Kelsey Ishigo, who used her quickness to spread the ball around, admitted that the gig comes with some butterflies.
“Nerve-racking,” she said and then added, “but I feel honored to be the starting point guard of our team.”
They also have players who have just not had a lot of game time. Senior Allison Courtier is still learning a great deal in what is ironically her first and last year on the varsity squad.
“It’s interesting,” said the hapa power forward who only began playing basketball in high school. “The varsity practices are harder and we work a lot harder. Which is good because I think I’ve gotten a lot better under varsity coaching.”
And that’s the main point for both teams regardless of records and regardless of winning or losing streaks.
Taking each game and using it to get better and improve.
“We want to win league, then go far in playoffs,” said Nakamine about her Mustangs. “Definitely try to take it to the Pyramid again.”
Ishigo’s goals for the Warriors are not as lofty, but no less challenging. “I hope to win two of our last games,” she said.
“Our goal coming into league was to beat last year’s record (1-9) and we’ve beaten it already,” added Chai, “But we’re still looking for another win.” |
