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By Anthony Clay
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Apr. 23, 2008 |
The dream is over yet complete.
On March 3, Carlmont High School crushed Lowell’s dream of a state championship. After winning the AAA championship, the Cardinals came into the game satisfied and determined. However, Carlmont would have none of this, defeating Lowell 65-54.
Some questioned the varsity girls’ basketball team’s potential after last year’s star players Angelina Clay and Kimberly Wong graduated.
But now those names have faded away, replaced by a dynamic senior trio: guards Heather Chow and Sabrina Lum and forward Anna Bukareva.
On Feb. 26, the Cardinals met their cross town rivals Washington, in an anti-climactic affair. Inevitably, the Cardinals out flew the Eagles for a 55-40 victory. The dynamic trio combined for 30 points in that game.
Three days later, the Cardinals went head to head with rivals Lincoln for the AAA title. The game was important for many reasons, partly because the Cardinals wanted to set a school record with three consecutive championships. The efforts of the dynamic trio combined with sophomore guard Kristina Lum’s 17 points to seal the 48-46 victory and a new chapter of proud Cardinal history.
Like last year, some question next year’s team’s potential, as Lum, Chow and Bukareva will graduate soon. Lowell is returning sharp-shooting junior guard Ashley Ong, team leader junior guard Eryn Kimura, as well as sophomore forward Rachel Baskin, a solid rebounder and scorer. In addition, a potent offense will be led by sophomore guard Kristina Lum and versatile junior center Jessi Maio and a stingy defense will be led by sophomore guard Amanda Chow.
With such versatility and talent, next year’s team is in for a AAA title four-peat.
MVP
The Lowell’s choice for this year’s most valuable players are Bukareva and Chow. Both third year varsity players, these two combined hard work ethics, leadership and experience to mark a special chapter in Lowell history of three consecutive championships. They have helped win the city championships for three years in a row and are looking to play in college, either on an intramural team or on a school team. Without them, and all the seniors that contributed their time and dedication to the girls’ varsity basketball program, the dream could have never been achieved.
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