Girls Basketball wins championship for fourth time

On December 2, the MacArthur girls basketball team went undefeated at the SAUSD Intermediate school tournament at Saddleback High School

The girl’s basketball team took home the first place trophy at the district tournament Saturday, December 2 at Saddleback High School. The three time undefeated team played four different schools in 30-minute games.

MacArthur’s victories were against Sierra was 36-9, Santiago 36-11, McFadden 21-9, and Mendez 31-21.  Since the beginning Coach Lozano said that he wanted a coachable, determined down-to-earth team.

“Not that many have the willpower to keep moving forward. What these girls accomplished shows how teams can succeed,” said Lozano.

Lozano’s thoughts about the team was that they were incredible, he was impressed, and changed his point of view in what will power can do.  He decided to coach girls basketball because he had the experience, the opportunity, and they were a set of athletes who were coachable.

“They have the excellence to score when we really need it,” said Lozano.

The girls started practicing on October 24 and practiced after school every Monday-Friday, except Wednesdays.  Practice was from 2:30 to 4:00.  Lozano felt the team worked really hard and always showed great effort throughout the practices leading into the tournament.

Eighth-graders Kelli Pacheco and Brianna Urena were Lozano’s stand out players.  While Kelli was unfortunately injured during the tournament, Brianna came through during the final game with a scoring barrage that put MacArthur over the top.  

According to Lozano, last year’s team was good, but this year’s team was intense and played at a higher level.  However, both teams brought home the championship.

Eighth-grader Arleen Rufino was motivated during the competition, “The environment that coach Lozano puts is great, everyone gets along well and he is very supportive,” said Arleen.  Arleen thought that Lozano is very understanding and he pushes the team, but at the same time is very kind.  “There is always room for improvement,” said Arleen.

As well as coaching girls basketball Lozano has also coached boys basketball for 11 years.  Lozano is looking forward to keep on coaching because he says that it is very easy to get along with kids they are naturally adapting and improving their skills.