The Pinewood girls basketball team is ranked 15th in the state of California and second in the Central Coast Section, giving them a strong start to the season. The team has an 18-2 record. Their winning streak ended after a game against Priory, where they lost by just one point.

  “Losing that game to Priory has definitely changed our mindset,” senior Andri Wilkinson said. “It made us more hungry and a little more aggressive, just because we had been used to winning at that point. It was really eye-opening to lose a game.”

   The team has been working hard to improve, specifically through emphasizing the things that can be fixed. Sophomore Abigail Yew said the loss to Priory is something to come back from with an open mind.

   “If we hadn’t lost that game, we wouldn’t know the simple things we need to improve on, which otherwise would have been overlooked had we won,” Yew said.

   The team practices six days a week, excluding game days, and undergoes weight training three times a week.

   “On the court, our team brings vibrant, young energy,” Yew said. “We have a lot of drive, and we want to win.”

   Even with the busy schedule and long hours, the team is determined to reach state championships.

   “Even though it’s tiring, putting in the work, being together, and playing the sport that we love makes it all worth it, especially after winning,” Wilkinson said.

  Similarly, the Pinewood boys basketball team has had a solid start to the season with a 14-5 record despite their smaller numbers. Senior co-captain Dhruv Gupta said he has seen the team improve this season.

  “I am really proud of how the team has grown from last year,” Gupta said. “I think we’re really strong in how we move the ball on offense, and our defense has improved significantly. Our team is doing a great job of working well together and playing unselfish basketball.”       

   He said the team chemistry plays a huge role behind each point and victory.

  “The special thing about our team is that no one has to be the one guy to stand out or be better than everyone else.” Gupta said. “We work like cogs in a machine. If someone’s missing, it makes it difficult for the rest of the team, but at the same time, we find ways around the problem together.”

   The team has overcome various obstacles such as injuries and transfers being unable to play. However, both teams hope to play in the Central Coast Section championships this winter.