Girls’ basketball has long been a valued part of Aliso Niguel’s athletics, consistently building a competitive team that has developed strongly over the years. As the years pass, the program has continued to grow with the players developing both skill and confidence. This season is absolutely no different, as the Aliso Niguel Girls’ Basketball team started this year with ferocity, with an overall win-to-loss ratio of 16-7.
Varsity Coach Scott Majors says, “Our focus has been on building habits, standards, and a team-first mentality. ”
Despite facing competition within the league, the team has worked to deliver several notable performances throughout the season. Key wins against schools such as St. Margaret’s, Trabuco Hills, Edison, Irvine, and Dana Hills High School have highlighted the team’s consistency.
However, the season has not come without its hurdles, including losses to Tesoro and Crean. and number 1 in the league, Beckman High School. These losses provided learning opportunities for the team as they prepared to work harder in their future league games, including an upcoming rematch game against Beckman on the 29th of this month.
Each of these matchups has tested the team’s strength. According to coaches, these experiences are essential in prepping the team for competition.
Coach Majors says, “While wins and losses matter, our primary goal this season has been development, both on and off the court. We’ve emphasized getting better each week, learning how to respond to adversity, and understanding that progress isn’t always linear.”
One of the most influential people on the court is number 3, Senior Captain Nicole Borie (12). Borie played all four of her high-school years on varsity, though she’s been involved in basketball since she was much younger. Her role on the team is an impactful one, seeing as her experience in leadership has grown over the past few years.
Borie says of the team and her role on it, “As a senior, I hope to set an example for my teammates, showing them what a good leader can look like by being accountable, maintaining good communication, and displaying positive energy at all times.”
Her goals for her senior season are to get to CIF one last time and to get a double-double on her senior night.
Additionally, the other senior on the team has taken on a leadership role. Mariam Gregory (12) is incredibly excited to be playing for Aliso this season. Gregory says, “I want to show what it means to be there for your teammates and lead with kindness. Many teams with seniors never talk to those younger than them, but I want to be a friend to my teammates and let them know they can rely on me”.
However, a couple of the starters for the team are currently out with injuries. Abby Hwang (11) is out for an ankle sprain, Sofi Vaka (11) is out with a knee sprain and Paige Russel (10) is out with a knee injury.
In response to these roster challenges, players have had to step up into roles outside of their comfort zones. The team has had to work hard to move past these struggles, working on becoming adaptable and versatile in the roles each player plays.
Coach Majors says of the changes, “Several players have taken big steps in their confidence and leadership, and it’s been encouraging to see younger players embrace responsibility and rise to challenges throughout the season.”
As of right now, the team sits in the fourth spot in the South Coast League, though Coach Scott Majors says that, “Our goals for the team are to compete with effort every night, improve our basketball IQ, and develop confidence in pressure situations.
Looking ahead at the rest of the season, the team’s goal is obvious: continue to work their way up through the league standings to finish strong and fight to get to CIF. With experienced authority and motivation on their side, the Girls’ Basketball team proves that they are willing to work hard to get exactly where they want to be.
