Junior Varsity Girls Basketball named Moore League Champs!

From zero wins in 2021 to Moore League Champs in 2022!

Championship Team, basketball, girls basketball, junior varsity, Lakewood High School Basketball, Moore League Champs

The Junior Varsity Girls Basketball Team of Lakewood High School in Lakewood, CA was named Moore League Champs in 2022. According to Head JV Coach, Leilani Utupo, "the team was filled with athletes that had potential but lacked confidence, discipline, and basketball IQ". At first glance, the JV Lady Lancers were viewed as the "underdogs" of the league with a prior season (2021) record of having no wins in the Moore league.

Over time, the JV Lady Lancers bought into the program, trusted in the guidance of their coach and turned the "underdog" title into "Moore League Champs", defeating top basketball programs like Polytech High School and Millikan High School in the 2022 season.

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I'm proud of the work these athletes put in both on and off the court," said Head Coach L. Utupo, "The JV team was filled with Freshman and Sophomores, so they are all still so young and have so much more growth to fulfill but I do know these girls will be game-changers in the classroom, in the community and on the court. Proud is an understatement."

When the athletes were asked what they enjoyed most about the season, starting point-guard, Dionna Bradley shared, "This year I am walking away with improved leadership skills and great memories with a great group of friends."

Power forward, Jaela Baker shared, "This year Coach Leilani has shown me how to build self-discipline, confidence, self-respect, and honesty. I have also learned how to be more mentally prepared for games and practices. One thing I have learned to do is to stop allowing mistakes to get to my head, I just have to play MY game."

"I am proud of this group. I have witnessed improvement in their attitudes, in their skill level and fundamentals, but most importantly, their confidence. As their coach, the greatest gift was watching these young athletes realize the worth and value they bring to those around them. I am truly excited to see what they continue to achieve in the years to come," says Coach Leilani Utupo.

Congratulations to the Lady Lancer Basketball Program and to the Junior Varsity team for securing the 2022 title as Girl's Basketball Moore League Champions!