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Girls flag football, basketball go undefeated

Two Santa Catalina Lower and Middle School teams went undefeated in the winter season, but the bigger win for all players was their development as athletes and teammates.

Girls flag football enjoyed an undefeated season with each player making a significant contribution to the team. The Cougars scored more than 20 points each game while holding opponents to less than 20 points. Coaches and players alike attributed the team’s success to the strong bond among the athletes.

The boys flag football team saw players taking on multiple positions, which led to students gaining a greater understanding of the game and the ability problem solve. Eighth graders stepped up as leaders for the young team, which started 3-0 and stayed competitive in close losses in the back half of the season.

Catalina had four basketball teams participating in the Independent and Parochial Athletic League (IPAL).

The JV girls team fielded an impressive 35 players in grades 6 and 7. At the beginning of the season, the coaches offered to split them up into separate teams and alternate game days, but the players voted to stay together. The result was that each student played and supported each other in every game.

The girls varsity team went undefeated, but for Coach Barry Panes the record isn’t everything. “What makes it so rewarding is that we compete in the IPAL, where winning is not the priority. Everyone plays no matter what the score, everyone develops, everyone learns,” he said.

JV boys basketball played under the motto Together Everyone Accomplishes More (TEAM). The Cougars went 4-2—bouncing back from double-digit deficits in a couple of games— while developing new skills, trust in one another, and passion for the sport.

The varsity boys team, which welcomed three players from York School, also enjoyed a winning season. The team was so dedicated that they put in extra hours on weekends and during the Christmas break.

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