The Long Beach Poly girls basketball team opened their season in the Beach Classic tournament at Redondo Union High School from November 30 through December 5.
The Jackrabbits, arguably one of the top teams in all of Southern California, kicked off their season against local competitor, the St. Anthony Saints. Poly however would be missing their top 4 post players, top junior and USC commit Ayanna Clark, junior transfer Jasmine Jones, junior Kathryn Headspeth, junior Aiyanna Barnes and senior, Cal State Northridge commit Eliza Matthews. The absences of these players left the Jackrabbits undersized all week, hurting them in some games.
“Not having all of the team definitely hurts us, but we have plenty of good talented guards that help make up that gap” said senior guard Da’Jah Jackson.
After a back-and-forth game, Poly came up short against St. Anthony losing 44-41.
“It was tough,” said senior guard Cierra Belvin. “It wasn’t the way I would’ve like to start off my senior year, but it’s a long season so we just have to improve and learn from our mistakes.”
Poly reassured everyone that they are still a top team by winning the consolation championship. Poly beat North Torrance in a much needed bounce back game by a score of 52-35. The girls then played Mira Costa, where they held their opponent scoreless through the first 18 minutes jumping out to a 17-0 lead and finishing strong with a 55-37 win. The lady Jackrabbits were able to ride their momentum into their next game where they won a 58-55 thriller over Lynwood to capture the Consolation championship.
Starting junior guard Danae Miller played well throughout the week, helping the shorthanded Jackrabbits capture a consolation title. She is the starting point guard and one of the top guards around. Sophomore center Kennedi Shorts gave outstanding performances as the Jackrabbit’s lone center. The Jackrabbits also relied on their trio of senior guards Siana Fields, Da’Jah Jackson, and Cierra Belvin. Fields, a Clemson commit, is the team leader, as a returning starter, who looks to help lead the team accomplish their goals of capturing CIF and State championships. Jackson is one of the team’s top shooters and looks to be a major offensive threat this year. Belvin is also a leader on this year’s team.
“We are just trying to improve as a team and improve our chemistry. I’m also staying on people about coming to practice ready to work and keeping their grades up” said Belvin.
The girls basketball team will travel to Arizona on Friday, December 18 to play in the Nike Tournament of Champions, one of the premier tournaments in the country.
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