Varsity Basketball Teams Have Rollercoaster Season
The 2018-2019 YISS varsity girls basketball season had many ups and downs. With the graduation of two four-year starters last year, the team was lacking pieces that had led to being KAIAC runner-ups last season. Benjamin Disraeli once said, "The secret to success is to be ready when your opportunity comes," and that is what this team did. They took advantage of the chances to fill in the holes that were left and grew immensely in the process.
YISS finished the conference season in 5th place with a 3-9 conference record but went into the inaugural KAIAC Plate Tournament with high hopes. After a big win against APIS, the Guardians struggled to find the bottom of the net against SAHS and then lost in the final seconds to TCIS, finishing 4th overall. Ashley C. (11) was named to the All-Tournament team, along with Rachael K. (11), who received All-Conference, All-Tournament, and the Best Rebounder award, averaging over 14 rebounds per game.
After the Lunar New Year break, the rested Lady Guardians headed to Faith Academy in Manila, Philippines to compete in this year's ACSC Tournament. Playing against better teams than they had faced in Korea, YISS struggled but showed flashes of hope and promise that not only won the hearts of their coaches but of the other teams in attendance. Other coaches and players commented, "They play so much bigger than what they are," "that team does not let up the whole game," and "I love how your team plays with class." At the end of the tournament, the Guardians finished in 7th place. Ashley C. averaged over 10 points per game on her way to making the All-Tournament team.
Congratulations to seniors Raghd A., Rebecca K., Hannah K., and Karin L. on wrapping up their varsity basketball experience. Looking ahead, with four starters and eight players overall returning, the future looks bright. The key to success is being ready when opportunity knocks, and next year this team will be ready.
For the varsity boys basketball team, this season was a bit of a rollercoaster season. The team was led by six seniors. Like the girls, the boys lost a lot of production from last year's team, especially as it related to points and rebounds, but a lot of potential existed with this year's team. The boys got off to a rough start losing the first two games, with one of the starters out because of an injury. After that, the varsity boys went on a little winning streak, winning five of the next six games heading into the Christmas break. After the break, the team lost another leader and starter because he moved back to the States. This was a tough loss for the team to overcome, and as a result, the boys struggled through the second half of the season.
The Guardians finished the conference season in 4th place, with Max Choi picking up All-Conference honors. The boys also played in the inaugural KAIAC Plate tournament, during which they finished 4th as well. Julian R. (12) had a great tournament and earned an All-Tournament selection.
At the ACSC tournament which was hosted by YISS, the boys struggled with ankle injuries to both Julian R. (12) and Max C. (12), but other players stepped up. The team showed improvement and had another 4th place finish. Caleb G. (12) played better than he had all season during much of the tournament and earned an ACSC All-Tournament selection.
Congratulations to seniors Meshal A., Max. C., Caleb G., Tayne K., Kevin L., and Julian R. on wrapping up their varsity basketball experience.
