As we enter February, both Pinewood’s boys and girls basketball teams have momentum as they begin league games. With a combined record of 25-12, both teams have clinched CCS playoff berths and aim to finish this season better than the last.
The girls basketball team, despite having four new players in the rotation, has showcased their ability to rise to the occasion, ranking ninth in California, and winning both crucial league games against No. 17 ranked Woodside Priory.
“As the season has gone on, we have all stepped into our own individual roles and figured out what those roles are,” junior captain Caitlyn Kramer said.
The team came ready on Jan. 18, when they took a 57-52 victory over No. 16 ranked San Ramon Valley High School. Senior captain Vallory Kuelker led the way with 18 points and eight rebounds while reaching a monumental milestone of 1,000 career points shortly after.
“[The win] really showed us that we are capable of a lot,” Kuelker said. “It gave us a lot of confidence and now we know that we can make it really far in the season.”
The girls have a longstanding tradition of dominating the season, and this year is no exception. Under the guidance of Coach Doc Scheppler, who prioritizes meticulous team preparation year after year, they consistently deliver winning seasons.
“We put ourselves in a position to beat the top teams,” Scheppler said. “That means defensively, not making mistakes, being cohesive, and an improved, consistent effort.”
Meanwhile, the boys basketball team is undergoing a season of transformation. With an entirely new coaching staff and only four returning players, they aim to build a strong foundation for future success by embracing a fresh team culture.
“Our team commitment has grown,” head coach Chris Jackson said. “We are all coming together and buying into what it takes to change the program for the future.”
Although the boys team lost their first league game to The King’s Academy, they are using each challenge as a learning opportunity. With every game, they demonstrate improvement and a stronger sense of unity.
“Losing to [King’s Academy] motivated us to push harder and better,” freshman Vihaann Satpute said. “It was a reality check for us.”
Similarly, through each loss, the team is exhibiting perseverance and a strong sense of community. The team focuses on looking forward instead of dwelling on the losses that they can’t change anymore.
“Basketball is a game that exists beyond the four corners of the court,” junior captain Dhruv Gupta said. “[The team] needs to keep our heads up even when we are facing adversity.”
