The girl’s basketball team took home the first place trophy at the district tournament Saturday December 12 from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM.  The three time undefeated team played four different schools in 30-minute games.

MacArthur’s team won against McFadden intermediate 9-6, then defeated Sierra Preparatory Academy 28-4.  MacArthur then won 32-3 against Villa Fundamental intermediate in the semi-final.  In the final championship game MacArthur broke the tie in the last five seconds when eighth-grader Nadya Perales stole the ball and scored a layup for the 18-16 victory against Mendez Fundamental.  The dramatic finish punctuated MacArthur’s third straight championship.

“I was mad, but then at the end I was just happy because it was my third time playing in the tournament.” said eighth-grader Nadya Perales

Computer technician, Mr. Jesus Lozano said he was very proud and impressed how the girl’s determination and calmness. Lozano quotes “It was a joy and a pleasure teaching these girls. They grew so much in just one month. I hope the best from them. They are all varsity players in my book, and I wouldn’t change them for the world.”

Team captain Valerie Zamora said, “I got most of my motivation and determination from the fact that it was our third year winning, and just all the support received from students who came to watch.”

The team played in a scramble formation.  Lozano believed that the three captains Valerie Zamora, Nadya Perales, Kelly Pacheco, along with players Priscilla Banales, Cristine Kemechs, and Emily Ngo are all MVPs because they were just way too much for the other teams to control said Lozano.

“It was a scary and a nerve wracking moment because you didn’t know what was gonna happen,” said Priscilla, who Lozano believed improved a lot since they first began practicing. Lozano said it was funny coaching a girl’s basketball team and he would improve upon reaching out to each player for one on one coaching, but he just didn’t find enough time to do that.”