The Los Altos girls basketball team is off to a strong start (6-1) early this season, thanks to its experienced players and several dynamic freshmen, as it eyes contending for a league title.
Los Altos head coach Brittany Taylor noted the team is playing at a good pace and has a solid defensive foundation after summer workouts, calling the team the most talented she’s had in her third season with Los Altos.
“I do think we have a new dynamic compared to last season,” Taylor said. “We have some good incoming freshmen who are going to really help us elevate our game a little bit.”
Freshman point guard Taylor Ware has emerged as a key player thanks to her dribbling, shooting and decision making, using her skills to help the team on both sides of the floor.
“Super dynamic, very smart for being a freshman, getting to her spots well,” Taylor said of Ware. “Knowing when to get that steal, when to attack, when to get us facilitated. You don’t see that in a lot of young players. She has such a natural ability and very exquisite skillset as well, so that’s what makes her more dynamic than most.”
Ware, along with senior guard and captain Ella McFarlane, have created a dynamic backcourt together, with the pair the team’s key offensive weapons. Los Altos’ identity will still focus on playing fast-paced and creating transition buckets off steals and turnovers, with a lot of points expected in transition.
“I do think playing in transition and defensively will definitely be our bread and butter for this year,” Taylor said.
Freshman guard Isha Peruri and center Sahara Kaci have also earned significant playing time early in the season and have provided early help. The three freshmen on the team also have experience through club and school play that has helped them transition to the high school varsity level.
“Isha (Peruri) has a lot of length, and being on the wing really helps us, very versatile,” Taylor said. “Just having size with Sahara (Kaci) and her really helps with movement.”
The freshman pair are committed to rebounding and getting second possession for the team, along with sophomore and team captain Chloe D’Amico. Los Altos has had a rebounding edge in most of its games so far this season and managed to secure several key offensive rebounds in the final minute of the 36-34 win over Cupertino on Wednesday to prevent the Pioneers from getting possession to attempt a game-winning shot.
“We have girls that are very committed to rebounding,” Taylor said. “Physical, very strong, really smart, finding the ball, so I think that is also just another advantage for us with our size.”
While Los Altos is off to a good start in its non-league portion of the season, Taylor wants to see the team continue to improve as it gets ready for league play in the SCVAL De Anza Division in January.
“I think we can be competitors (for the league),” Taylor said. “We are getting off to a good start. We’ve got to work on some things, but I definitely think we can be a contender for that and definitely qualify for CCS, two big goals for us this year.”
McFarlane noted the team has gotten better with each game and has seen significant improvement in its rebounding and controlling the key. Los Altos went 3-9 to start the season last year, but is 6-1 already this season. McFarlane said the team’s goal is to compete for a league title.
“Definitely to win the league would be nice,” McFarlane said. “I feel like we have a good chance at that.”
