BASKETBALL
“Champions do not become champions when they win the event, but in the hours, weeks, months and years they spend preparing for it. The victorious performance itself is merely the demonstration of their championship character.” – T. Allan Armstrong
To date, this has been Evangel Christian Schools finest basketball program thus far. We believe that in order to have a successful program our athletes not only need to be committed and invested in the team, but also to our philosophy and vision. In today’s society core values such as loyalty, dedication, selflessness, and hard work have seemed to be forgotten. Often corners are cut leaving projects incomplete or one is willing to sacrifice another to get ahead in the workplace. Our goal is to get a group of athletes to whole-heartedly believe and practice these core concepts. If you can succeed in instilling these values within your players, not only will they succeed on the court, but more importantly they will be successful in life.
Our Boys Varsity Basketball team made their first ever appearance in the Private School Athletics Association (PSAA) championship game this year. Every single game was a struggle to win. But, it was their dedication, motivation, and commitment to each other that allowed them to persevere. We ended last years season not only with a list of goals to complete this year, but with a list on how to achieve these goals. Captains Joaquin Pardo, Jonathan Bonifas, and Geordan Gibson not only challenged each other, but their teammates. There was no such thing as an easy practice. If you left practice with energy, then you were holding out on the team. You gave your everything during practices hoping to leave better then when you first set foot on the court. We were not naive as to think things would be handed to us, but we believe that if we embodied these core values our game/life would reflect our ethic. We ended the regular season tied for second place with a record of 6-4 and were runners up in the playoffs. I am very proud of you guys and I only hope that you not only take these values with you as you go beyond high school, but apply them in everything you do.
This has been the first year we have had a Girls Varsity Basketball team. We decided to go varsity after last year’s junior varsity semifinals game. “Coach, we know we can compete on the varsity level.” Our girls are always looking for a challenge. They never shy away from one, rather they welcome it and rise to the occasion. Practices were electric and full of energy. Often making our full court games rather interesting. We ended the regular season in second place and third overall. I have had the pleasure of coaching many of these girls for threes years and it has been a privilege to watch them grow.
If one word could be used to describe our Boys Junior Varsity Basketball team it would be talented. From as early as tryouts, they were told that there would be a direct relation between winning and the work they put in. “Lets get started,” was their response. We began the season hungry and as the season progressed that feeling got stronger. Not only were they focused on winning the Championship, but on improving their skills so they could compete next year on the varsity level. Leadership is a quality that all coaches pray their athletes possess. To find one or two is a rarity. I have been blessed to have several players demonstrate this desired quality. We finished the season as Undefeated Regular Season Champions, with a record of 10-0 and went on to claim the title of Playoff Champions. What a season you guys. We set out for a perfect season and we accomplished it. I cannot wait to see what is in store for next year.
When other coaches hear that I am the coach of all three teams they cannot believe it. “I have enough headaches with just one, how can you possibly do three?” they say. I think about this question often and when I do I begin to smile. Our student athletes at Evangel are unlike no other. They have a fire burning within them, something that leaves a lasting impression. They are willing to work hard and be pushed to their limits. They are diligent and encouraging. They are responsible and are hands down leadership material. With students like this how could anyone not want to be involved? I know I told you this already, but you guys are my pride and joy. When I hear parents bragging about their 2 or 3 children I laugh because I get to brag about 37 of mine.
~Coach Wong
Special Awards & Recognition:
Boys Varsity Basketball: Senior Sean Villalba All Division. Junior Geordan Gibson All Conference.
Girls Varsity Basketball: Senior Natalia Alverez All Division. Juniors Karas Bonifas & Angie Arroyo All Conference.
Boys Junior Varsity Basketball: Sophomores Demetrious Johnson All Conference & Playoff MVP. Anthony Cabrera All Conference & Regular Season MVP. Matthew Gonzalez All Conference. Freshman Josiah Bonifas All Division.
Congratulations to all!
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Natalia Alvarez |
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Elisha Rodriguez |
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Elizabeth Glover |
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Becky Wong |
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Bekah Hornedo |
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Karas Bonifas |
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Crystal Johnson |
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Eva Cruz |
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Angelika Arroyo |
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Kassandra Chevere |
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Sabrina Reyes |
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Blanca Bayas |
Our Girls Basketball team finished in 2nd place with 9 wins and 3 losses and went all the way to the Semi-finals in the playoffs.
Special Awards: All Conference awards were given to Captains Anel Pauline and Natalia Alvarez-Plaud and All Division award was given to Karas Bonifas. Congratulations go out to the entire team. Anel Paulino, Elisha Rodriguez, Natalia Alvarez-Plaud, Diana Rodriguez, Elizabeth Glover, Rebecca Wong, Karas Bonifas, Rebekah Hornedo, Kassandra Chevere, Crystal Johnson, Tiffany Aguiar, and Sabrina Reyes.
Coach Joe Wong
Evangel Lady Eagles Basketball
I have never held a team so close to my heart as I have with you girls. Partly because of the hard work, dedication, and ccommitment that you showed. I know practices were not easy, especially with a psycho coach who made you do 15 minute full court layup lines, an insane amount of shooting drills, and 3 hour practices. But you girls are my pride and joy. Aside from learning what a suicide is, I hope you took away values, morals,and work ethics that will empower you to be the women that you were all meant to be. You girls have so much potential. If you put as much work and dedication into all aspects of yoru life, just like you have for basketball, nothing can stop you.
Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your team.
I love you all.
Coach Joe
“Our success has not been a continual series of victories. We have had a number of devastating setbacks; how these are handled is the making of a great team… winning does not happen in straight lines.” – Clive WoodwardEarly on in our season, the Lady Eagles have had a number of setbacks. Defeats which if pushed aside and not dealt with could have impacted the outcome of our season. After every game we examine what we did right as well as what areas need to be improved. These defeats allowed us to examine our structure and as a result, drastic changes came about. One major change was the implementation of an entirely new offense. It was through these defeats that have helped to shape and mold us into the “team” we are today.
Our Lady Eagles are currently 8-2, with only 2 games left in the regular season.
We have our eyes fix on the prize and are anxiously awaiting playoffs.
Director of Athletics
Joseph Wong
Goooooooo EAGLES! Cheering, Pompoms, Pictures Flashing, Team Members, and Plays were all part of our Pep Rally. this was all part of our Spirit Week Students in 6-12 grades had very special days the week of November 17-21. Each day students represented a different theme: Monday – Favorite Sports Team, Tuesday – Funny Hat and Feet Day, Wednesday – Twin Day, Thursday – School Spirit, Friday – Country Day (dress in the colors of your nationality). Elementary School enjoyed: Wednesday – Favorite Color Day, Thursday– Favorite Stuffed Animal, Friday – Funny Feet And Hat Day.
On Thursday, during the latter half of the c day, Middle School and High ch gathered in the gym for our Pep Rally. All our team members were hailed and there were fun contests and prizes given out. This was a great way to get us ready for the first double-header of the year.
Make sure to check out our “Galleries” to view lots of adorable pictures.
Coach Wong will be holding tryouts for grades 8th – 11th on Monday, November 3rd from 3-6 PM.