The562’s coverage of Cabrillo Athletics is sponsored by the Cohn Family.
There’s a fresh face in charge of the girls’ basketball program on the West Side.
Head Coach Harrison Hawkins has taken the reins and is leading the Lady Jags this season.
“Expect Cabrillo Ladies Basketball to be different this year,” Hawkins said. “We will play hard. We’re excited.”
Hawkins went to Cabrillo himself before being an assistant coach at Long Beach Poly for two years. As Hawkins settles into his new position on the West, he’ll have the help of some strong returners to lead the squad this year.
Senior guards Alliyah Barredo and Elizabeth Miranda are back after being the only Jags to represent on the All-Moore League First and Second teams, respectively. They’ll be joined by fellow senior and small forward Melody Toney.
“I’m excited for them. They’re our varsity returners from last year who have a lot of varsity experience, so they should make a big impact for this team this year,” Hawkins said.
Barredo and Toney will also be captains for Cabrillo this year, and Hawkins is expecting each of them to bring a lot of energy to the team.
The West Side is also spotting some younger faces on the court. Sophomore power forwards Etemane Pese and Mariah Anthony will be looking to make a name for themselves this year.
“I’m excited for this group of girls, really look forward to them competing and keeping games competitive with a different energy,” Hawkins said. “They’re unified this year. I’m excited for them to put it all together and, you know, make a step in the Moore League.”
In order to make this step, Hawkins wants his team to be one of the hardest-playing teams in the league. This will come from the more experienced players and guards being dynamic and bringing the energy.
However, Hawkins has also been making sure his team is physically fit to be one of the toughest teams in Moore League.
“Conditioning for them has probably been the hardest it’s probably been for them in this program,” Hawkins said. “The conditioning program has definitely taken a notch up their focus.”
Hawkins said this has changed the entire dynamic of the program. After a sixth place finish in league last year, the Jags are looking forward to a fresh season and not letting last year affect them.
“They’re changing the culture,” Hawkins said. “As long as they have a positive mindset and continue to really push their bodies physically, the basketball side will be rewarding for them.”
Cabrillo will open Moore League play Dec. 17 when they host the Lakewood Lancers. In the month leading up to their league opener, the Jags will play a variety of 11 official games hoping to get in shape.
