Published on February 9, 2016 | by Gavin Yakuse-Duffy Photography by Kerelin Molina
0Undefeated Hawks have sights set on bigger goal
The Humber College women’s basketball team is currently undefeated, with 16 wins on the season. But the team members have their sights set on a bigger goal.
Fourth-year power forward, Atissa Cronk said they are focused on nationals and using every regular season game to prepare for it.
Head coach, Ajay Sharma said the goal for this season was never to go undefeated. Instead, it was to be prepared for every game by practicing hard and pushing limits.
He explained the team’s practices are so tough that the games should be easy in comparison.
Cronk said there is no extra pressure put on the team by the coaching staff to win at the provincial level or remain undefeated. But she added the team wants to accomplish both those goals.
First-year point guard, Felicia Velasquez said the team cannot overthink the winning streak, because that is exactly what their opponents want them to do.
Though Cronk said make no mistake, the Humber Hawks will still try to finish off the season strong and remain undefeated.
Sharma said the talent and championship experience of the team is what sets them apart from other teams. “Even when we have key injuries, some of the girls are able to step in and perform,” he said.
The team has the most depth of any team he has coached, said Sharma.
The players agreed this is one of the most talented teams they have played on during their careers.
Cronk said the chemistry on this team is the best she has ever seen. “Everybody is on the same page, we have the same goal and we work well together.”
In her first season on the team, it was a constant struggle between new and old players. Now the team really meshes, which translates to unselfish team-first basketball, she said.
Even the players that play fewer minutes contribute and give a hundred per cent, said Cronk. Having everyone play hard is a great quality to have on a team, she added.
In high school, Velasquez said she had to be the whole team, but now she has teammates that she can rely on.
Velasquez said it takes pressure off the individual player knowing there are other players on the court that can score, rebound and defend.
“They are actual basketball players and not just athletes.”
To finish off the season strong, the Hawks need to play hard and dictate how the remaining games are played, said Velasquez. The team can go all the way and finish out the season undefeated as long as they play their game, she added.
Cronk said the team’s strength indicates there is a good foundation for the big win at nationals, but there is still room for improvement.
Image courtesy of Kerelin Molina according to license.
Related Posts
Humber students celebrate nature, come together for Urban Sugar Shack →
A decade without defeat →
Hawks’ Ceejay Nofuente is Humber basketball’s humble hero →
