RCHS Girls Basketball up and running
By Claire Bauer, RCHS intern writer; photo courtesy of RCHS
Rock Canyon girls basketball team
With the second semester of the 2020-2021 school year in full swing, Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) sports are up and running – literally. Girls basketball players are actively training and competing. The amount of strength and dedication these Jaguars have put into their sport as they persevere through tough times to make the most of their shortened season is apparent. Their typical season starts in October and goes through March, but this year their season only lasts five weeks, with 14 varsity games instead of the usual 26.
“I’m not a fan of COVID, but I believe in making the most out of any situation,” said Jessica Bird, junior varsity (JV) coach and varsity assistant coach. “Our season is much shorter than usual. We have half as many games crammed into a little five-week season, but we are thankful to be playing. Everyone has to wear a mask, including the players. All of the girls in our program have been warriors. They just want to play basketball, so they’ve learned to play with the masks on,” she said. “I’ve been coaching since I was in college (more than 20 years), and I love teaching kids the sport I love. I love hearing the sound of basketball. I just love basketball!”
Coach Bird’s daughter, Bella agrees. “It’s a very fun experience. I play because I love the sport and am able to show people what I can do, and my team is super fun, smart, and nice toward everyone and strong on the court. My favorite parts are getting steals, assists and scoring. I don’t have a least favorite part; it is all a great experience.”
The team has already played many of the scheduled 14 games and is looking forward to a strong finish to the season. RCHS girls basketball teams have practices and games six days a week, and the players take advantage of their off season by lifting weights, going on runs and practicing with their teammates. RCHS basketball has also hosted several skills camps, fall scrimmages and more. Games are streamed online, as well as broadcasted at a local sports bar in Castle Pines (see related story High School Sports Games Streamed Live, Locally).
