Lady Cubs Finish Strong

 

South Fork High’s varsity girls basketball team wrapped up the season with a 70-36 loss to Hoopa at home Friday night. Despite having a season with few wins on the court the Lady Cubs’ season-long effort exemplified the character-building qualities of high school sports, playing together as a team, getting leadership from three wise and hard-working seniors, and ultimately winning the kind of victories that stay with you longer than any score.

Senior Noelia Alatorre had 14 points and sophomore Regina Saloman had nine. “We played a great game. Everything came together for us,” said head coach Shylo Wantt.

Reflecting on the whole season Wantt said,”This season was definitely challenging at times but we  stayed together as a team and worked through it all. These girls knew they had to keep fighting and they did.”

The team’s 3 seniors were honored on Friday on their final court appearances as Lady Cubs. “Our seniors Noelia, Sabrina and Shondra kept our team on track and were positive with the younger girls. These girls are leaders and will be greatly missed.

“Noelia had an outstanding season, she went hard everyday in practice and it showed. Offensively she got boards, scrapped for loose balls and went hard in the paint to get her points.

“Sabrina (Miclette) is always a scrapper. I love watching her play defense and go after loose balls. She’s worked on her offensive game this year an she has definitely improved. She can pump fake and shoot or come off a screen for the shot.

“Shondra (Mishmash) came out this year ready to go. She was in the best shape I have seen her in and her mind set and attitude were perfect. She wanted it this year. She was always asking for one on one time wanting to get better, and she did. She was a threat; from shooting 3’s to driving the ball to the paint she could do anything.”

Unfortunately for Mishmash and the team, she suffered a knee injury three weeks ago and was unable to return to finish out the season. She continued to attend practices and provide leadership and moral support to her teammates.

Looking to the future, Wantt said, “I’m excited for the next couple of years. We have a young group of girls an we’re only going to get better.”

Wantt expressed gratitude to her father Albert Wantt, who assisted her: “Thank you for being there for me this year,” and is also grateful to the team’s sponsors and supporters: Crystal Salomon, Ronnie Guerrero and Cecil’s. To her players she says, “Thank you for the amazing season! Go Lady Cubs.”