As winter has progressed, our varsity boys basketball team has shown what Grizzlies are really made of: resilience and determination. Despite a rough start to the season, our boys have continued to train and push themselves harder every practice in order to improve their skills and become formidable opponents.

  “We are taking each game step by step to get better,”  Mohammed Hamideh (11) said.

   Warming up for league, the boys have used their preseason games to prepare for the skillful opponents they will face. They began the season with a mix of both wins and losses, but continue to train to improve everything from their dribbling to their three-pointers. A loss against Rancho Buena Vista High School 51-43 weighed them down; however, they made a comeback in their game against Point Loma, winning 63-55.      

  “We haven’t won many games, but we try to get better every day so we can start winning as league progresses,” Justin White (9) said.

  Practicing every day and battling through games allowed the boys to prepare for their rivals: San Marcos High School. With love and support from their friends and family, cheers and competition diffused through the gym. Every quarter brought more excitement. As they encountered fourth quarter, all bets were off. At the end of the game, they lost by a mere three points. This game was one of the closest and most energetic game of the season, despite previous expectations. The main obstacle for the team was injuries; their desire to keep playing despite injuries exemplified their perseverance and bravery as they fought to get better and back on the court.

   “Injuries interfere with my basketball, because it’s tough to play through them and get better at the same time,” Austin Shultz (10) said.

 Through all their adversities, our Grizzly boys still have each other’s back on and off the court. Being part of a team is one of the most important things to have; it creates a life-long connection.

  “The best way to act as a good teammate is to pick them up if they are ever down or mad and encourage them for next time,” Hamideh said.

  This season has shown the boys that there is definitely room for improvement, but with each passing practice, they continue to refine their game and skills. As the boys continue to practice and bond, their teamwork and skill will improve until they’re unbeatable. Mission Hills High School’s varsity boys basketball team takes it game by game until victory.

   “Trust the process,” Schultz said.