Annie Wright Upper School basketball is back in season for the 2019-2020 school year. Last year, Annie Wright had a memorable basketball season, with the Upper School for Girls’ team attending the state championship for the first time in history and the launch of the first Upper School for Boys’ team. With the new season, both teams are hoping to build from last year and improve.

Upper School for Girls’ basketball is expecting a successful season this year with a large group of returning players. This year’s varsity team comprises younger players with only one senior on the roster. Director of Athletics Mike Finch expressed that he hopes the girls “solidify themselves and the program so that success can be replicated in future seasons.” 

Building off of last year, the team had a successful run by going to the state championships and winning 17 games. According to Finch, the focus right now is making sure the girls are maintaining a healthy balance between all of their obligations, so that burnout isn’t a possibility. “[We want to] make sure that the girls are enjoying practice and having time to do their schoolwork and spend time with their families,” he said.

According to team members, their goal this season is to win the league and district championships and get as far as they can in the state championships. “I think one of the major goals for this season is getting back to state. We were able to do it last year, and I think we’re able to do it again,” junior Julianna Walker said.

The Upper School for Boys’ basketball season, now in its second year, is already on track for a successful season. Last year, the team comprised freshmen and sophomores, but this year, there are six juniors on the team. The team is also set to play four more games than last year as they will play a total of 16 games this season. 

“For the boys, it’s just playing right now. It’s having as much fun, it’s building their own culture,” said Finch. 

As of now, the Upper School for Boys’ team plays strictly JV teams, but according to Finch, they will transition next year to playing varsity teams.

Recently, the team beat Life Christian Academy after being down 10 points in the 3rd quarter and came back to win by 10 points in the final quarter. 

USG basketball is 2-0 this season after beating 4A school Kennedy Catholic by a score of 49-38. The next game is an away game against 4A school Gig Harbor HS on Tuesday. 

USB basketball is 3-2 this season after defeating Tacoma Baptist, marking the first ever team victory in the new gym.