The girls basketball team has concluded the regular season with a 20-6 overall record and a 7-3 league record. The team lost to Marlborough 67-61 in overtime in their most recent game, and will compete in the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Division 1 playoffs. Their first game is against Rialto High School at home on Feb. 13.
This season is the first under Interim Head Coach Alex Nailes, who previously served as an assistant coach for the boys basketball program. Players said his leadership introduced a new approach to the team’s preparation and in-game strategies.
Valentina Guerrero ’26 said Nailes brings enthusiasm and dedication to practices and games, which has motivated the team.
“My favorite aspect of having Coach Nailes as our head coach is the energy and passion he brings every day,” Guerrero said. “This pushes us to be our best and to continue to grow. He holds us to high standards, which makes us better both individually and as a team. What is different is his attention to detail and the strategies he uses to think about the game. It has made a huge impact on the way we are able to prepare for games and practice.”
Deana Thompson ’25 said the team needed time at the beginning of the season to adjust to the new coaching style and establish chemistry on the court.
“Our progress has been great,” Thompson said. “In the beginning of the season, we were still figuring out the positions and connectivity we needed as a team with a new coaching style, but with our full squad back and a good flow going, we are improving every day. With Coach Nailes this year, he has really tapped into our competitiveness and overall mentality, which helped progress our skills and confidence as players, which is what we needed to get us to where we are now and in the future.”
Thompson said the loss to Marlborough was a reality check.
“I honestly think we needed this loss because going into the game we were very confident in our team,” Thompson said. “It is a good lesson going into playoffs that we can’t underestimate any of our opponents. This game gave us an edge that we need later on.”
Bella Spencer ’25 said the team’s chemistry has strengthened as the season progressed.
“Our team chemistry has only improved as the season has gone on,” Spencer said. “We have a lot of freshmen on the team, so early on it was important to integrate them into the mix while also adjusting to a new system and coaching staff. We had to figure out how to gel on and off the court, and I think we’ve done a great job of coming together. As we continue into playoffs, I only see things improving in terms of on-court chemistry.”
Thompson said the team’s biggest area of growth this season has been its defense.
“Coach Nailes always harps on our defense during games and practice,” Thompson said. “It is something that we can control, unlike a missed shot. I also think that our competitiveness has very much improved this year. We have a different mentality, and I think it starts with Coach Nailes. He pushes us to be our best and compete in practice, whether it is scrimmage or even simple drills. These two things have translated well on the court and really helped us build a culture.”
Guerrero said she looks forward to finishing the season with the seniors, and hopes to send them off with a strong playoff run.
“I am most excited to play our last games of the season with our seniors and to send them off to college the right way, by winning,” Guerrero said. “With our new coach, I am excited and hopeful for the opportunity to complete the goals that we set and have worked for the whole season.”
