Story by Gabi Garcia, Graphic Designer and Alexah Guzman, Assistant Sports Editor
Photo Courtesy of Cypress College Athletics
After a challenging pre-season, Cypress College’s women’s basketball team is inching towards a postseason era as they close a successful regular season.
The team currently has an overall record of 17-8, a 6-3 conference record, and are on a 3-game winning streak, Coach Brittany Imaku reflects on the success of the team so far.
In comparison to last season, the team has improved drastically. In just 25 games played so far, their overall standing is at .680; last season they were at .393 after 28 games. Even though their record is numerically better than the previous season, Coach Imaku said that it was a challenge bringing in new players this season.
She discussed how it took time for the team to find their identity and work together as a team, but she noticed the freshman’s dedication and strong work ethic challenged the sophomores to improve their performance.
When asked what Imaku has been concentrating on since their previous game, she said “…sharing the ball and just being happy with your teammates’ success [is important]. When you have that, it’s a lot easier to play the game.”
Imaku reflects on a major component to their season: “our grit […] how invested they’ve been in one another […] We struggled with our confidence, but I think it’s coming back […] the players that needed to start playing at a higher level are [doing so], which is huge to our success.”
As the team works to preserve their winning streak, they recognize there is more work to be done. Coach Imaku and the rest of the coaching staff have been making sure the players invest in themselves and their team.
She stated that they’re ready to surprise people this postseason, “The job’s not done.”
Their next game is Tuesday, Feb.11 at 6 p.m. at Riverside City College. To follow along with the team’s last few games of the regular season and their post-season, visit the Cypress College Athletics website for live game coverage, stats, and rosters.
