The562’s coverage of Jordan Athletics is sponsored by former LBUSD superintendent Chris Steinhauser.
The Jordan girls’ basketball program has been all about growth under fourth-year Head Coach Wesley Rosenbaum.
After finishing third in the Moore League last season, the Panthers are still looking to improve as another year rolls in.
“Every single year, our expectations have gotten higher,” Rosenbaum said. “I think the league right now is about as open as it’s ever been, and really excited to compete for the chance for a Moore League title.”
The Panthers are looking to some key returners to get this mission going. Junior Janiah Lorn is one of the standouts for Jordan this year.
“She’s going to make the right play, play great defense and she’s just a great general on the floor,” Rosenbaum said.
Her counterpart is fellow junior Jah’Asharee Moore, another leading junior for the Panthers. Rosenbaum said both players have been coming in and working hard every day.
“Jah’Asharee Moore is about to break through,” Rosenbaum said. “She’s grown a lot, she’s maturing and she’s just full of potential, and I think that potential is just about here.”
These juniors are accompanied by a few strong seniors, as well. Breana Patu and Diamond Toomalatai are back for Jordan. Additionally, All-Moore League Second Team player Savannah Hernandez is back for the North Side.
“She really does everything for us on the court,” Rosenbaum said. “We’re really excited for her to have a big year.”
After losing All-Moore League First Team guard Asia Edwards last year, the team is adjusting to working together without her.
“Last year, we did rely on her,” Moore said. “Now, we have to rely on ourselves and be a team.”
Rosenbaum said each player is stepping up as a core part of the team during this adjustment. Lorn is looking to fill this guard gap left by Edwards.
“Janiah is really rising to the challenge of making a name for herself,” Rosenbaum said. “I think the leadership and the program starts with her.”
The Panthers also gained a junior transfer from Morningside in Kyla Thomas that will be a big name for the North.
“She’s full of energy. She’s motivated to learn, and I think she’s gonna play a big part with us this season, too,” Rosenbaum said.
Moore said the team is working on being more bonded this year. The girls spend time outside of practice together which has helped them become like sisters.
“If you don’t have nothing outside of the court, then your bond together won’t be good on the court,” Moore said.
Jordan practices year round in order to prepare for the challenges any season can bring. Rosenbaum focuses on making the practices difficult and intense so his team can learn to be relentless when they get into the same tough environment during a game.
“Everyone’s going to go through challenges, you know, things happen, but it’s the teams that have that mental focus and mental strength to stay together and finish strong,” Rosenbaum said.
This mental toughness helps when the team sticks together, Moore said. This doesn’t just apply to the players, but also the coaches, as well.
“We all just need to, like, know what we’re good at and know what we bad at, and stick to what we good at,” Moore said.
