The varsity basketball team participated in the Sacred Heart Basketball Tournament over winter break, where they played against Stone Ridge, Stuart Country Day, and Connelly School of the Holy Child.
After landing in D.C., the team felt ready going into the tournament.
“We had a lot of practices leading up to the tournament that prepared us. We also arrived a day early, so we could practice on their court and get our minds ready for our games,” said Sela Travieso ‘26.
In their first game, the Cyclones started off strong, beating Connelly, 64-43. A few hours later, the Cyclones faced Stuart, winning again, 69-35.
Later that evening, the Cyclones shared a dinner with the other teams, learning about each school and their Sacred Heart traditions.
“[We met] the new girls from the other teams, specifically Stone Ridge, and talk[ed] to them about the Sacred Heart traditions that they had and how some of them are different from ours but also the same. It was interesting to see how widespread the similarities are,” said Travieso.
As a reward for winning their first two games, Head Coach Danny Ramos treated the team to frozen yogurt but not before walking in a circle in 10 degree weather, which ended up being one of his favorite memories.
“Walking in the freezing cold weather together in the wrong direction because we didn’t know where we were or just being able to see the team have fun together and be themselves, not just as basketball players” were some of the highlights of the trip, said Ramos.
The second day, the Cyclones had the most anticipated game ahead of them against Stone Ridge. They emerged victorious once more, defeating the Gators, 52-37.
In addition to going undefeated in the tournament, Ramos thinks the Cyclones were able to deepen their sense of community as a team.
“I think it allowed them to get to know each other a little better off the court, which is just as important as on the court. It brought a little bit of fun back to basketball instead of it just being something that they have to do every day,” said Ramos.
The players agree. “In our tournament, we rented a bus and traveled together. I think spending that time together built our community and strengthened our bonds with each other, which was very fun,” said Alissa Azcuy ‘26.
Azcuy offers her advice for future participants of the tournament. “Keep an open mind when you meet the new players because you always have something to learn from someone new. Have fun and don’t stress too much about winning the games.”
