50p
Wrapping Up History
Everyone has a dream, some people have hopes, and the Brentwood Junior Girls Basketball team had a goal.
Since the begining of last season, the Junior Girls team has had a goal of making it to provincials in 2020, and a certain group of astonishing athletes, coaches and people made that goal happen. It takes a particular mindset for an athlete to hold themselves accountable, and this year the team had just that.
A number of returning students put in hours and hours of work over the summer, Christmas, and midterm breaks to enable the accomplishment of their goal including Miranda NP, Alex ‘23, Peyton H, ‘24 and Ella D, Hope ‘23. As a team, however, it all started in September when an optimistic group of young athletes showed up to Wednesday night training: two coaches, Jillian Napier and Rachel Bakker, twelve eager girls, and hearts full of hope. Alex H, Hope ‘22, a new student as of September, stated that she “had no idea that joining the basketball team would give so many great memories and such a caring second family”.
As the season progressed, the team became stronger and stronger as the athletes bonded and got to know each other’s strengths and weaknesses. As the most important game of their season approached, the team had won their past three games due to outstanding performances by Sophie B, Mack ‘22, Jocie L, Mack ‘22 and Alex H, Hope ‘22 to land themselves a spot in the finals of the Provincial Qualifying Tournament, against one of the top teams on the island, Port Alberni. Coming away with a close win thanks to a combined 37 point from Jensa NG, Mack ‘23 and Miranda, the team was in tears as they met their goal. But they were not yet satisfied and decided to strive for more heading into Provincials.
After losing their first game at provincials against #15 ranked 3A College Heights, #18 Brentwood was heartbroken because they knew they could have won the game if they made the necessary adjustments just a little sooner. That said, after the tough first-round loss, Brentwood kept their heads up and went off to win their next three games coming away with a 3-1 tournament record, winning the Rivalry Bracket.
Despite having a tough draw, the team was happy and grateful for the opportunity to take part in the 2020 Junior Girls Basketball Provincials. They’ll never forget the countless memories they made and the fact that they made school history by being the first junior girls basketball team to qualify for provincials. They will not rest, however, “We’re gonna’ stay on this grind” said Yudi A, Mack ’22 and strive for another successful season next year.
“I’m proud of you girls” said Bud Patel, Head of School. Next year, be prepared to be even prouder, Mr. Patel!
This article is written in thanks to Ms Napier, Ms Baker, Ms Manton, Laurel, Emily, Reesha, Richie, the food services team, and supportive parents for making the season possible.
Jensa NG, Mack ‘23
Since the begining of last season, the Junior Girls team has had a goal of making it to provincials in 2020, and a certain group of astonishing athletes, coaches and people made that goal happen. It takes a particular mindset for an athlete to hold themselves accountable, and this year the team had just that.
A number of returning students put in hours and hours of work over the summer, Christmas, and midterm breaks to enable the accomplishment of their goal including Miranda NP, Alex ‘23, Peyton H, ‘24 and Ella D, Hope ‘23. As a team, however, it all started in September when an optimistic group of young athletes showed up to Wednesday night training: two coaches, Jillian Napier and Rachel Bakker, twelve eager girls, and hearts full of hope. Alex H, Hope ‘22, a new student as of September, stated that she “had no idea that joining the basketball team would give so many great memories and such a caring second family”.
As the season progressed, the team became stronger and stronger as the athletes bonded and got to know each other’s strengths and weaknesses. As the most important game of their season approached, the team had won their past three games due to outstanding performances by Sophie B, Mack ‘22, Jocie L, Mack ‘22 and Alex H, Hope ‘22 to land themselves a spot in the finals of the Provincial Qualifying Tournament, against one of the top teams on the island, Port Alberni. Coming away with a close win thanks to a combined 37 point from Jensa NG, Mack ‘23 and Miranda, the team was in tears as they met their goal. But they were not yet satisfied and decided to strive for more heading into Provincials.
After losing their first game at provincials against #15 ranked 3A College Heights, #18 Brentwood was heartbroken because they knew they could have won the game if they made the necessary adjustments just a little sooner. That said, after the tough first-round loss, Brentwood kept their heads up and went off to win their next three games coming away with a 3-1 tournament record, winning the Rivalry Bracket.
Despite having a tough draw, the team was happy and grateful for the opportunity to take part in the 2020 Junior Girls Basketball Provincials. They’ll never forget the countless memories they made and the fact that they made school history by being the first junior girls basketball team to qualify for provincials. They will not rest, however, “We’re gonna’ stay on this grind” said Yudi A, Mack ’22 and strive for another successful season next year.
“I’m proud of you girls” said Bud Patel, Head of School. Next year, be prepared to be even prouder, Mr. Patel!
This article is written in thanks to Ms Napier, Ms Baker, Ms Manton, Laurel, Emily, Reesha, Richie, the food services team, and supportive parents for making the season possible.
Jensa NG, Mack ‘23