AOTW: Julissa Ceceña
AGE 16 | SCHOOL Calexico High | GRADE 10
The Calexico High girls’ basketball team closed out the regular season last week with a pair of wins over Southwest and Holtville highs.
The win over the Eagles gave the Bulldogs their third-straight Imperial Valley League crown, which was shared with Brawley Union High as both teams finished with records of 5-1.
Calexico defeated Southwest, 4933, and topped the Vikings, 45-31.
Helping Calexico to the wins was sophomore starter Julissa Ceceña.
Against the Eagles, Ceceña had 14 points, six rebounds, four assists, two blocks and eight steals and against Holtville she had 19 points, eight rebounds, five assists, four blocks and two steals.
“We knew we had to be ready and stay focused for Southwest,” Ceceña said. “The first time we played them it was a little close, so we knew they wanted to come in and beat us in our home.”
Against the Vikings, the Bulldogs traveled to Holtville for the game, which was nearly tied at the half with Calexico leading 20-19.
“It was their senior night, so they were excited,” Ceceña said. “I think that threw us off our rhythm a little bit, but we all stepped up and were confident that everyone knew what do to when they got the ball.”
What do you enjoy most about your sport?
I enjoy that adrenaline you get when you play. I felt it a lot this year. I felt like I was doing a better job of reading the other team and I feel I really improved from last year. I felt full of energy and I love being out there.
What is one of your more memorable moments in your sport?
My most memorable moment would have to be when I played in my first varsity game last year. I wasn’t expecting to play or even start as a freshman, but I ended getting the first basket of the game and it meant a lot.
Who inspires you and why?
My mom and dad inspire me. They always support me and try to make it to every single one of my games. They’re always trying to find new opportunities for me to get better. My mom played basketball, she was a point guard, so she inspires me too and always gives me tips on how to stay calm on the court and not get frustrated.
What are your goals for next season?
Next season, I hope that I can help my team get a third-straight IVL title. I think we’ll have a good chance. We have 10 girls coming back and a good group coming in, so I’m excited.