Complying with health and safety protocols, Amador basketball players have been able to start training again in order to prepare for the short season. 

Due to COVID and not being in the right tiers, many Amador sports—including basketball—were pushed back. However, the recent shift to orange tier has allowed for training plans to resume. 

“We are scheduled to play a 4-week season with games back-to-back on Friday and Saturday against the same team in the valley side of EBAL. In total, I think we have about 10-14 games scheduled…We should get to practice every day with tryouts [starting on] the 19th but we will see what happens because it is so hard to get gym time with everyone playing at once right now,” said Isabella Mauricio (‘21).

Having a season means risking COVID exposure despite following health and safety protocols. Weekly testing has been implemented in order to combat the dangers. 

“We have to be tested every Wednesday so we get results by Friday and can be cleared to play that night. If anyone tests positive, then we have to miss the next few games, which sucks but it’s what’s safe,” said Mauricio (‘21).

Although the season is significantly different and certain aspects will be missed, it means a lot for the players to have a season in the first place. Players are excited to be able to get back on the court and work hard. 

“I am excited to have a season for basketball this year, it sucks that it is so short but we’ll make the most of it. I think something I’ll miss is the team bonding and being together all the time because it really brings you together as a group and helps everyone work better together as well,” said Ella Gerversoni (‘22).