This year’s Parker basketball season is already off to a successful start. Both teams began practice on November 3, with games starting on November 17. After winning their game 38-26 on November 20 against Walter Christian Academy, the girls basketball team is ready for future matchups.
“So far, our team is looking solid,” varsity boys basketball player and sophomore Julian Pantoja said. “There are things we have to clean up, but as of right now, we are confident and look good.” Even though it’s still early in the season, both the boys and girls teams have shown excitement and improvement in the first couple of games.
As both teams settle into the season, the boys team in particular is experiencing major changes because of young players on the roster. “After many of the team’s members graduated—including most of last year’s starters—the team looks completely different,” Pantoja said. However, instead of letting that hold them back, the players have used it as a motivation to push even harder. Pantoja explained that the team worked all summer through open gyms, conditioning sessions, and summer leagues. He also said that the next big step for the team is learning to play together and building a solid foundation as a team, proving that they are ready to compete.
Jackson Paul, a freshman on the boys varsity team, said that “the experience has been eye-opening and has shown him a new side of the Parker community.” He explained that being a varsity as a freshman has helped him meet new people, feel more connected, and become a bigger part of the team. Paul added that he thinks the season is going to be great and that he’s excited to see how the team grows together. Sophomore Chris Chiles sees the same potential. “We went from having an experienced group to being one of the younger teams, but even with that shift, our expectations and work ethic haven’t changed,” Chiles said. He believes that the boys basketball team will hold strong, showing their continued growth and true potential.
On the girls basketball team, the progress is just as evident. “This year specifically, girls basketball has a bigger team, which allows for constant subs and time to regain energy,” varsity girls basketball player and sophomore Samantha Kovler said. “We beat Walther Christian in the Thanksgiving tournament with a score of 38-26 with eight different people scoring.”
Junior Ayla Pressman shared that the girls team has kicked off the season with strong energy and confidence. “We’ve only played three games and have many more that require extra practice, but we have a really good team this year,” she said. With more games ahead, the girls are focused on improving and continuing their solid start.
The four Parker boys and girls basketball teams—JV and varsity—have come into the season ready for the challenges and commitment of Parker Basketball. “We’ve had a lot of change, with the boys adjusting after losing seniors and the girls building momentum early on, through open-gym practices and bonding,” varsity girls basketball captain and senior Kiley Moss said, “but the future of Parker basketball really does feel full of possibility.”
