With the Bay League coming to a conclusion, the victory against Redondo was invaluable as it raised the morale and confidence of the players, proving that hard work and dedication can always lead to victory.

  In the final inning, West was down 10-8 but after scoring a run, the score was 10-9. However, they were unable to complete the comeback against the Spartans, the final score 10-9. Starting Pitcher Teddy Kerwin (12) stated, “We definitely shouldn’t give up especially with this close score. I know we tried our hardest, but I guess luck wasn’t on our side this time.” As the team captain, Kerwin hopes that this loss will help motivate the team. No matter under what circumstances, the team vows to never give up. With upcoming games and multiple chances to make it into CIF, the team has nothing to be sad about. Outfielder Wesley Chipeco (12) states, “I’m really disappointed about this game, especially since we were so close. But all we can do at this point is hit harder, run faster, and do better by working together.” With such inspirational words, the team doesn’t look at the game as a loss but as a lesson to learn from. “Sometimes things don’t go your way, and you just have to accept it.”

  The season is just starting, so be sure to catch a game while you can! The team continues to try their best until the end.

As team captain, Kerwin holds a great deal of responsibility on his hands such as leading practices or motivating his team to do well all the time. But no matter what action he takes, the team always views him as part of the team. Wearing number 24, he prides himself in being the starting pitcher and even moves in between playing different infield positions. Kerwin is constantly motivated by Coach Juan Cueva, vowing to never give up on his team no matter what circumstances may appear.

According to Kerwin, “Being on the team for four years seems so surreal because I hold such a position. The team is very close and bonded, which is really good because it means that we can take criticism from time to time.” The team constantly wants to improve their game, to stand out from one another and improve how the hit, throw, or run. It calls for immediate learning and reflexes, in order to go up against any challenge and school.

He also remarks that CIF would be ideal for him and his teammates, “because baseball at West is not generally known as making it that far. Ending my senior year with playoffs is probably one of the best gifts I could receive.”

As a team captain, Kerwin not only plays for himself, but for the team as well. Baseball is a more complicated sport than people think it is, due to the fact that it takes so much core strength and ability to see from afar. “I admit that I’ve had my fair share of mistakes and regrets, but I’ve definitely improved my game since freshman year.”

Boys Varsity Baseball is not to be taken kindly especially with skilled players that play with a lot of heart. Come to the boys’ games and watch as they try to fulfilling their goal of advancing to CIF.

With an inherent ardor towards the sport, Gehr entered West High as a freshman and naturally, joined the basketball team. He dribbled on through the next couple of years until he finally earned his spot on the varsity team this year as a senior. Throughout the years, Gehr has come to realize his strong areas of play. In his opinion, he is “a good shooter, can jump pretty high considering [his] height, and can use [his] length to tip passes and get steals on the defensive end.” Like any skilled and conscientious basketball player, however, Gehr is aware that with strengths come weaknesses. For him, these faults are “in the dribbling category, and in the post, due to [his] size.”

Though he may not be a perfect player, he clearly is able to work past his weak spots and succeed with the rest of his team. This season, the team made it into the play-offs for CIF, and considering the fact that “our league is tough, I think we did well,” Gehr commented. Yet the highlight of the season, according to Gehr, was the team’s trip to San Diego over winter break, which “gave [them] a good chance to bond and come together as a team more, and in the end helped [them] on the court as well.”

When Gehr is not on the court, he can be found playing guitar, listening to music, or just hanging out with friends; “all the ‘normal’ high school stuff,” as Gehr described it. He also enjoys the occasional football or soccer game with a few friends.

Though “basketball will always be a part of [his] life,” Gehr does not plan on pursuing basketball in college, other than perhaps as an intramural. His reasons are that he “wants to focus on [his] studies, and ultimately [his] future” proving that not only is Gehr a dedicated athlete, but he is also a focused, ambitious student who will definitely go far in life…with or without a basketball in hand.

For some, sports are considered as a side activity or hobby that relieves stress. But it is definitely the opposite for Inouye. Playing basketball since the first grade, Inouye could never imagine life without such an intense sport. He commented, “Playing the sport throughout elementary and middle school years, I always had the dream of becoming the next Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan like many others. But when I reached high school, I immediately realized that I was not one of the best anymore.” With this in mind, he continued living his humble approach to basketball as he got older.

Inouye discovered that the competition only got better as he matured, which motivated him to be more successful on the court. He made Junior Varsity his freshman year, but found himself “sitting on the benches behind a transfer student from Long Beach during multiple games.” This only motivated him to improve in many areas in order to make Varsity in his sophomore year. The fact was that Inouye was extremely competitive because of the hundreds of thousands of people reaching for the same dream of basketball. In return for his dedication to the sport, Inouye became a starting a Varsity Basketball starting guard.

With Coach Paul Nitake and Coach Uchida always guiding his directions on the court, Inouye always respected them as his mentors. “The coaches would often put me through two-hour practices during the summer and intense sessions in the weight room. But Coach Harvey Kitani ignited my flame of passion for this game. He’s taught me everything I know about basketball and truly molded into a better player.” He also remarks that his success is not solely due to himself, but his supportive family and friends. “I honestly appreciate my parent’s support, especially when they let me stay in the gym with my coaches to three in the morning.”

The Warriors followed through with their previous promises to perform well, as giving up is not an option for the team. The Lady Warriors implemented skill, talent, and effort as they paved their way to victory. Watching them play, it was evident that their long, strenuous practices rightfully paid off. Varsity Forward, Shonteau-Trudeau Katoa (12) exclaimed, “There was so much energy on the court, and it felt as if the team was connected as one throughout the game. We knew that if a certain player needed assistance in guarding off another player, we would jump in and help her, while another player would focus on the offense.” Anything that could be done to ensure satisfying results for the team was done.

Their evident readiness allowed them to obtain the victory and show the opposing team who owned the court.  Guard Jaime Kusumoto (11) reflected, “Looking up at the scoreboard and seeing the final score, was presumably the greatest feeling. We deserved the win and it simply just goes to show how hard we work.” Captain Nicole Nitake (12), in agreement with Kusumoto’s statement, stated, “We played a great game. We were focused and ready to dominate with our positive and confident mindset and this allowed us to seize the win. We know we are a ‘tough’ team capable of winning when we set our minds to it, the important thing is translating that theory into our games, and we did just that.” The Warriors are ready to continue advancing up the scoreboards and they know that if they incorporate the same energy and skill into their upcoming game against {insert info} they have almost a guaranteed victory.

Currently holding a 7-1 record in Bay League play, the Lady Warriors are unstoppable and ready for anything that comes their way.