Photo credit: Nissara Shah

Seniors Dylan Evans-Robinson, Charlie Clayton and Phoebe Ramirez and sophomore Paloma Lebenzon practice shooting for their game against Viewpoint Jan. 30. Senior night took place Feb. 5 at their home gym at Park Century.

Basketballs bounce in rhythm as the Archer varsity basketball team warms up for their next game. Players dribble, pass and shoot with focus, each aiming to perfect their moves. The players are full of energy on the court, setting their strategy into motion.

The Archer varsity basketball season ran from November to March. Seniors Phoebe Ramirez, Charlie Clayton, Dylan Evans-Robinson and Cezanne Silverton led their team through the first season in the Gold Coast League. Clayton and Ramirez said the season was full of community, memories and legacy. 

The varsity basketball team consisted of nine players from ninth through 12th grade. In a game, there were five players on the court, while the rest cheered on the team on the sidelines. The seniors said they were involved in key moments both on and off the court, influencing the team’s experience in the final season.

The team either practices at Archer’s basketball court or Park Century School after classes. Practices start with shooting as warm-ups and transition into team games to develop skills. Ramirez has been playing basketball for five years and joined Archer’s team in seventh grade.

“My biggest growth is definitely my perseverance,” Ramirez said. “I think without basketball as my sport, I would not be as determined as I am today.” 

Ramirez is a point guard, orchestrating the team by controlling the offense, directing plays and setting up scoring opportunities. The Gold Coast League reminded her of the best piece of advice she has received: to step out of your comfort zone and always try your best. 

“I think teamwork means working together for a common goal, but also supporting each other and making sure no one’s left alone,” Ramirez said. “I’ve also learned that you have to step up to the challenge firsthand. Like it might be scary, it will feel so rewarding when it’s done, and I think that’s also really important.”

Clayton is a post guard for the varsity basketball team and she said she is always ready to guard the net.  Although she has only been playing basketball for two years, Clayton said she has quickly developed a deep love for the game. She said her favorite part about being on a team is seeing everyone’s growth, pushing each other to become better players and working together toward shared success.

“To emulate what I want my team to believe not just through my words, but through my actions,” Clayton said,” so on days where you feel lazy or on days where you have a lot of work, showing up to practice and making an effort to be there is really important.”

Clayton enjoys mentoring younger teammates and watching them grow and improve. She said she has a great relationship with everyone on the team and has enjoyed connecting with the younger players, who she describes as ambitious and hardworking. Ramirez expressed that the team’s strong bonds and relationships have been memorable and that she’ll miss them.

“I kind of see it as a big sister relationship at the beginning of the year, like [they’re our] little sisters,” Ramirez said. “I like getting to know them and seeing myself as them when I was a freshman doing basketball. I think the relationship’s within the team are pretty good.”

Alexa Kagiwada (‘26) is a post guard who defends in the low post and helps with rebounding and setting up plays. She started playing basketball in third grade and joined the varsity team in ninth grade, where she played alongside supportive and determined senior leaders.

“Phoebe is very kind and willing to help and welcome other people. Charlie and [I] both do orchestra and basketball, so we’ve been able to bond over that and she’s really nice about that,” Kagiwada said. “Dylan works really hard, and I respect her determination to always be better. I think Cezanne always brings a happy attitude to practice every day into games. “ 

Director of Athletics Kim Smith has worked with the team and highlighted the seniors playing style. She said each member has brought something different, which has made it a positive team experience, regardless of the results of their games.

“I think the most significant change I’ve seen is that they’ve stepped up as leaders in their teams, through action and leading with their words. They are positive role models for the younger players,” Smith said. “Charlie is really great at giving direction to the younger players and sharing her experience. Phoebe rallies the team and leads by example with her passion for sport. Dylan provides a sort of centered calm for the team. Cezanne has embraced being an athlete and trying a new sport and being a part of the team.”

The season wrapped up with Senior Night at their home gym at Park Century Wednesday, Feb. 5, where they played against Brentwood. After the game, families and friends celebrated the seniors. Athletics Assistant Madi Witt organized a fan bus, and many students and faculty signed up to support the team’s last game.

“It feels weird. I remember, for some reason when I was a freshman and I was at my first senior night, I was like ‘Wow, I’ll never be at that event’, but now that I am. It’s crazy and really sad,” Ramirez said. “But I’m excited to see what happens.” 

The basketball team has focused on their growth this season, approaching each game one step at a time. Before each game, Kagiwada said that they set intentional goals to be vigilant and work their hardest. They focus on areas to improve reflecting on their previous game, such as scoring or rebounding. Their progress continues as they move into the more competitive Gold Coast League.

“[I] am incredibly proud of this team for embracing the challenge of a new league. [They are] really willing to step into every game and do their best,” Smith said, “and they’ve gotten a little bit better every single game. And that’s the goal.”