Photo by John Napalan/Art O’Neill
Perhaps no team in Long Beach was hit harder by injuries than Wilson last year.
The Bruins were poised to continue their upward trajectory under head coach Erin Carey, but ended up losing Ashley Hawkins to a turn ACL, as well as talented freshman starter Sydney Ross, leaving the team without its two best point guards and struggling during a 7-18 season that saw them finish fifth in the Moore League and miss the playoffs.
“Finally we are running at full steam,” said Carey. “After a year of injuries we have everyone back and healthy.”
Hawkins is the team captain and will be one of the best players in the city this year.
“She has an incredible basketball IQ and she pushes her teammates to be better,” said Carey.
Ross’ return means that the team will be able to push the ball and score in bunches. Senior Samiya Terry is a volleyball/basketball standout and is a returning first team All-Moore League player.
“She had a lot on her shoulders last season and handled it well,” said Carey.
Arielle Hines, a second team All-League player, also returns for the Bruins this year. That mix of talent and experience and hopes for a healthier season have Carey optimistic about the future at Wilson, where the Bruins just added freshman basketball after having to drop it for several seasons.
“Our team’s been putting in work and pushing themselves daily to be better, stronger, and smarter,” she said. “We have the speed and work ethic to cause some major waves in the Moore League this year.”
LONG BEACH GIRLS’ BASKETBALL PREVIEW
Photo by John Napalan/Art O’Neill It’s shaping up to be a special girls’ basketball season in Long Beach, with three teams making appearances in the CIF Southern Section rankings to start the year as well as the reigning Moore League Player of the Year and more than half of last year’s first team
