The black panther is an incredibly powerful and daring animal, feared by many for its aggressive nature. It would seem that the Pioneer Valley High School girls’ basketball team is taking Panther Pride to heart.
Like the “ghost cats” of the jungle, the Panthers have stalked the court this season with prowess, composure, and tenacity. Second-year coach Brian Hook said this team is a perfect example of how hard work truly pays off.
That striving has led to history being made: Last week, with a 53-46 win over Righetti High School, Pioneer Valley improved to 10-1 in the PAC 7, clinching the first league title for basketball in school history. The girls tied for the league the previous week with an overtime 78-63 win against St. Joseph High School. Coming into the season, the girls were ranked No. 11 in their division.
“I think this is very special,” said Hook, who has been coaching off and on since 1981. “When I took over two years ago, I asked the girls what the gym was missing. [They said] a banner of our own.”
But not anymore—the banner now hangs proudly in the Panther gymnasium, serving as inspiration while the girls prepare for their first CIF game to be held at home.
The team finished in second place last season. Hook said coming into this year, he knew he had a team that could contend for the title.
“I felt like this year was it. We had a lot to build off of,” he said.
Hook said compared to last year’s team, this year’s team is much more self-assured.
“The biggest difference is confidence and mental toughness,” he said. “[The girls] believed they could win every time they stepped on to the court this year.”
Achieving a league title in the PAC 7 is no easy feat. In the CIF 2AA Southern Section, the Panthers have faced heavy competition every game, including No. 5-ranked Redondo. Hook said every match was played against well-coached girls.
His coaching philosophy comes down to defense and keeping an up-tempo game.
“We are not a big team so we need to widen the court and create more opportunities,” he said.
The veteran coach said the success of the team could be attributed to staying in control of the game.
“I think we played our game and forced other teams to play our game. We also have a lot of senior leadership,” he said.
That includes standout senior stud Shnyia Tell. Manning the center position, Tell carries a big voice and a lot of passion for the game she has been playing since she was 4 years old.
“I just like being a part of a team and the intensity,” Tell said. “I always have something to do.”
The captain said compared to last season, this team trusts each other a lot more and is more cohesive.
“I trust every single teammate with the ball and their decisions,” Tell said. “We are the smallest team in the league, but we are aggressive and put up a fight.”
Tell was almost at a loss for words talking about the league title.
“It just means that I’m part of a team that worked hard to get somewhere and accomplished a goal we set together,” she said.
She said the team will keep its momentum going into CIF by staying focused the whole time.
“With CIF we need to focus on defense. The offense will come,” Tell said.
Hook shared that the biggest surprise from the team this season is the girls’ strong chemistry.
“The senior girls have helped make everyone feel important and there are no selfish girls on the team,” he said. “They all share the ball and the responsibility.”
Hook was eager to point out another standout senior—and the athlete behind the game-tying bucket against St. Joe’s—Leanna Araujo. He said the senior guard represents the spirit of this hard-working program.
“She isn’t quick, but she has worked her tail off,” he said. “She has made crucial buckets and stops for us all season. Last year, she hardly made it off the bench.”
Araujo had no problem sharing her feelings about the Panthers’ recent accomplishment.
“It feels great! I love my team very much and to make school history—it’s an honor,” she said.
Araujo, who has been dribbling a ball for as long as she can remember, loves the physicality of the game.
The senior said before the season even began, her teammates and she believed in their ability to take them all the way.
“We told ourselves we could do it; we just had to show it. After the first win, we knew,” Araujo said.
The senior—who came into the season wanting to build more confidence and play solid defense—said strong communication has been helping the team a lot.
“We are like one big family here. We communicate and play good defense,” Araujo said.
While there is a lot more at stake with CIF games, Araujo said the team is going to go out and take it like any other game.
“Coach says never give up and do your best,” Araujo said.
Pioneer Valley High School Athletic Director Greg Lanthier is proud of the accomplishments of this program.
“We now have the top girls’ basketball program on the Central Coast, and we are looking forward to hosting and participating in the upcoming CIF play-offs,” Lanthier said.
He added that this has been a very successful winter season for numerous Panther sports, including boys’ and girls’ wrestling, both of which also finished as league champions.
While Hook would like to see how well the team fares in CIF, he wants his squad to walk away knowing there will never be another first league champ.
“CIF is what you play for,” Hook said. “I just want them to play loose, have fun, and see how far they can go. Leave it on the court.”
Staff Writer Kristina Sewell is a pink panther. Contact her at ksewell@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Feb 20-27, 2014.