Jan. 13, 2024
By Isabella Apple
Staff Writer
The girls basketball team had a strong start to its season, winning its first game 58-17 at home against Garfield High School on Dec. 14. As of Jan. 9, the team’s record was 7-3.
Junior captain and power forward Asya Akar, who is in her third year on varsity, said LHS’ main rivals are Rutherford High School and Secaucus High School. Last year, on two occasions, Lyndhurst lost to Rutherford by two points. Both times LHS played Secaucus last season, the team suffered major losses, falling short of a win by over 40 points.
Akar said her goals for this season are to improve her motivation and engage in positive self-talk.
“As an athlete, I doubt myself quite often, so bringing a positive attitude to the court can really improve [my] playing,” Akar said.
She said it is dangerous to question oneself during a game.
“If you have negative thoughts and keep reminiscing on them, it is going to negatively impact your performance,” Akar said.
“After you make a mistake, [it is important] not to put your head down and harp on it but to focus on the next play.”
Junior forward Kyla Marino, who has been on varsity since her freshman year, said tenacity is critical to being a successful basketball player.
“After you make a mistake, [it is important] not to put your head down and harp on it but to focus on the next play,” Marino said.
She said this season is challenging because the team is getting used to new plays and struggling with turnovers.
“We have a high turnover rate in most of our games, which gives the other team more opportunities to score,” Marino said.
Senior forward and point guard Kiera Docherty, who has been on varsity for three years, said her goal is to enjoy her final season on the team.
“Something I learned starting this season off is to make everything fun even if it’s a competition,” Docherty said.
She said practices, which are led by Head Coach Boyce, prepare the team because they emphasize communication, discipline and staying in shape.
“We are growing and starting to become a really great team together. All it takes is hard work,” said Docherty.
