The Wilcox girls varsity basketball squad fell to 1-2 on the season after Tuesday’s home loss against Carlmont. A 45-23 final in the non-league preseason matchup was not the offensive showing that the Chargers were hoping for, but the team’s defensive building blocks seem very much in place.
Wilcox impressed not only with their defensive rebounding but with their ability to force multiple steals and shot clock violations. Leading the way for the Chargers were sophomore point guard Dexie Medida and senior center Addy Munoz. Despite being two grades apart, the duo showed the most chemistry of any pair of Chargers.
“It’s really nice having her. When I’m driving in with a secondary defender, I know when to dump it to her. I can trust her to be able to get the ball.” chimed Medida on playing with Munoz. “I can help her post up with our communication. I like working with Addy; she’s really good down low in the post.”
The top highlight of the game for Wilcox was arguably when Munoz knocked away an intended Carlmont pass and it landed right in Medida’s hands. From there, Medida took off the other way, fending off three different defenders in the vicinity for a fast-break layup. The defensive effort was on point for the Chargers from the tip off to the final buzzer.
“One of the main things that we focus on is our energy and our effort. We say those are two things that we should never have to worry about or coach,” said Wilcox Head Coach Justin Fujihara. “From start to finish, we want to make sure the energy is there and it’s not just those who are on the floor, but also those who are not on the court. You can also be in the game at the same time.”
There was no better example of Wilcox players off the court being into the game than in the final seconds of the fourth quarter. Despite the outcome of the game having been long decided, the Wilcox bench erupted in cheers when sophomore center Evelyn Edwards managed to get fouled in the paint. Edwards would go one of two from the line with .4 seconds left on the clock.
“Despite the complexity of the sport, we’re here to have fun. We’re there to support and uplift each other even when things get hard,” noted Medida. “Seeing a teammate get to the free throw line, everyone being happy for her, is a good moment to experience together.”
“We have eight seniors and they are trying to show support and encouragement to our younger players that are going to have to take on a big role next year,” added Coach Fujihara on the cheers for Edwards at the end of the game. “So, the seniors are trying to take the younger players under their wings and show them the things we do. When these girls work hard and make plays, they definitely show support for one another.”
Along with Medida and Munoz, senior guard Lily Muyco stood out with seven points offensively, draining a three late in the fourth quarter. Defensively, senior forward Amanda Atayde impressed with a couple of steals and a strong performance rebounding on the defensive glass.
Wilcox will look to bounce back from the loss to Carlmont when they play next on Tuesday, Dec. 13 at home against Santa Teresa.
