Delhi High Girls Basketball Schedule
Today: v. Dos Palos, 5 p.m.
Nov. 26: @ Argonaut, 5:30 p.m.
Nov. 27: v. Stockton Christian, 6:30 p.m.
Nov. 29: @ Pacheco Tourney, 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 5: @ Tioga, 5:30 p.m.
Dec. 6: v. Venture Academy, 6 p.m.
Dec. 6: v. Delta Charter, 7:15 p.m.
Dec. 7: v. Delta Charter, 7:15 p.m.
Dec. 11: Millennium, 6 p.m.
Dec. 17: v. Big Valley Christian, 6:30 p.m.
Dec. 18: v. Summerville, 7:15 p.m.
Dec. 21: v. Orestimba, 7 p.m.
Jan. 3: v. Gustine, 6 p.m.
Jan. 7: v. Le Grand, 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 9: @ Mariposa, 6 p.m.
Jan. 11: @ Waterford, 7:30 p.m.
Na. 15: @ Ripon Christian, 6 p.m.
Jan. 17: v. Denair, 6 p.m.
Jan. 22: v. Turlock Christian, 7 p.m.
Jan. 24: @ Gustine, 6 p.m.
Jan. 28: @ Le Grand, 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 30: v. Mariposa, 6 p.m.
Feb. 1: v. Waterford, 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 5: v. Ripon Christian, 6 p.m.
Feb. 7: @ Denair, 6 p.m.
Feb. 8: @ Denair, 6 p.m.
Feb. 9: v. Turlock Christian (@ Pitman High), 6 p.m.
Delhi High’s girls basketball team is on a quest for newfound status in the Southern Athletic League this season, eager to leave behind them the days of being dominated on the court. With new head coach Demetrio Quintrero at the helm, the Hawks hope 2012 will be the turnaround year the program’s been waiting for— and if Quintrero’s enthusiasm is any indicator it just might be.
“We’re going to surprise a lot of teams,” Quintrero said. “I can assure you, the days of losing by 30 or 40 points is not going to happen anymore; I’m excited.”
While it’s understandably hard to compete in the same league as Turlock Christian and Ripon Christian High, Delhi’s girls weren’t concerned so much with last year’s 4-10 SAL record as they were with being outscored 725-478 through 14 games. The desire to improve has motivated this year’s group of girls who in turn have been a motivating force for Quintrero. After a 12 year break from coaching, Quintrero has been pleasantly surprised by his team’s willingness to improve as well as their athletic ability.
“It’s different. The kids are bigger, stronger, and more athletic nowadays,” Quintrero said. “I’m lucky with the girls I have; I got a group of girls who can run the court.”
“Out of all the teams I’ve coached, I think this is the smartest group. Every one of the girls has a 3.5 GPA or higher, so they really pick things up quickly,” Delhi’s new head coach added.
Although it’s still too early to determine the team’s dynamic, the return of Lexus Palaminos and the presence of a couple of conditioned players are good signs for a Delhi team that lacks significant experience. With their first foundation game five days away, Quintrero has been re-tooling and re-structuring his girls’ understanding of basketball fundamentals and stressing a mantra of ‘I can, I will, I must.’
“They’re taking the steps to learn the system. We’re not worried about whether we win or lose right now, the girls are worried about playing tough,” Quintrero said. “The goal is to have fun and let the wins take care of themselves; get back to basics.”
Delhi will hold a scrimmage against Dos Palos High today at home before a Monday night foundation game against Argonaut High.
“I should be able to see who’ll fit where and what kind of system we’ll run after the game,” Quintrero said.
