While the Olympic Heights basketball seasons haves gotten off to less than spectacular starts, both Coach Ann Klapperich of the girls’ team and Coach Matthew Ryder of the boys’ team are staying optimistic.

The girls have a record of two wins and seven losses, after a recent loss to the West Boca Bulls. According to Klapperich, her basketball team is definitely improving in many aspects of the game. Yet, it’s tough to make drastic improvements quickly, especially within the small group Klapperich is working with.

Klapperich points out that the girls are better than last year, mainly in that the losses are by much closer margins. The shot decisions are also better due to the fact that the ball is being moved around the court significantly better than in previous years.

But, just because the ball is being moved intelligently, that does not necessarily mean that everything works out as planned. “Turnovers have been a huge nemesis for us,” Klapperich emphasizes.

Another weakness for the girls has been the battle on the glass. Rebounding the ball has to become a major priority in practice, Klapperich notes. The team needs to be able to box out and make strong attempts to bring down missed shots.

In reference to the attitude of this team at this point in the season, the girls are doing well. Good communication is one of the most important skills a basketball team needs to have in order to succeed, and communicating is definitely a strong point with this team.

Senior Maria Verdes has been playing tremendously well in most aspects of the game, as of recently. Junior Regine Borgelin has also made great strides in improving her game, according to Klapperich.

Klapperich points out that the girls’ junior varsity team is a “great and aggressive team.” They play tight defense at every opportunity. Earlier this season, Klapperich brought up freshman Derline Similien from the JV team to the varsity squad, and Klapperich believes Similien, along with the rest of both teams, have an extreme level of promise.

Despite the boys’ team’s record of three wins and six losses, Ryder believes the boys are further along than what was expected at the beginning of the season. Ryder stresses that a big strength for the boys is that everything the team does whether on or off the court is done together.

Ryder feels that there is room for improvement on the defensive side of the ball. The boys have to find a way to keep their eyes on the ball at all times. The scoring onslaught from opposing teams never seems to slow, making defense a major point in practice.

“Execution. The boys have to execute,” Ryder asserted.

Consistency also needs to be a focus. The boys can’t seem to hold on to any momentum that might start up. Each game, strengths and weaknesses can flip around at every loose ball, which has become problematic in close-game situations.

Regarding stand-out players so far, junior Rubens “RJ” Jerome has played exceptionally well. Ryder has been pleased with Jerome’s performances over the course of this season. Junior Kyle Pelzman, as well, has been playing extremely well on both sides of the ball.

“We have all the keys to be a great team,” Jerome commented. “We’re more physical, tougher, and we’re playing more as a team.”

The boys’ junior varsity team has a lot of potential and talent. Sophomore Alex Manolakos has been a strong addition to the team, and freshman Eduardo Arredondo is a very good athlete who Ryder looks forward to working with in the years to come. Andres Moncada has also been playing well recently.

With a new coach and leadership in Ryder, there is potential on the boys’ side that Ryder hopes to enhance over future years. Ryder is optimistic and excited to move forward with this team as he sees potential in every player.