The North Salinas High School girls’ basketball program is experiencing a significant revival this season, led by new head coach Lawrence Raneses. Following a tumultuous previous year marked by the firing of former coach Darren Jackson, the team has transformed its fortunes from a dismal one-win season to a promising start, currently holding a record of 5-2 in the Cypress Division.
Last season, the Vikings faced a challenging campaign, finishing with a record of 1-23. The abrupt dismissal of Jackson, who had amassed 469 wins over 24 years at North Salinas, left players and staff in disbelief. The new coaching staff faced the daunting task of rebuilding not only the team’s performance but also its morale.
Raneses, a 1996 graduate of North Salinas, stepped up to fill the head coaching role after successfully guiding the junior varsity team last year. His immediate focus has been on changing the team culture. “We preach the importance of positivity,” Raneses said. “Last year had a negative effect on the program. The first thing I had to change was the culture. I had to add some sunshine.”
To establish trust with the players, many of whom felt disheartened by the previous year’s events, Raneses worked diligently to connect with them. “There was still some shock of what happened the year before,” he noted. “I knew it would be a challenge.”
The Vikings have shown substantial improvement, doubling their win total from the previous two years combined. In their recent match against Pajaro Valley, however, they faced a setback, losing 35-29. Despite the defeat, the team remains optimistic, having opened league play with four consecutive victories.
Raneses acknowledged the legacy left by Jackson, stating, “Coach Jackson left a blueprint for success for us to follow. Throughout all the CCS championships and league titles, it’s something to aspire to.” Ironically, Jackson now coaches Pajaro Valley, which has also improved its record this season.
Emotions ran high during the matchup against Pajaro Valley, particularly for players who had previously played under Jackson. Senior Iliana Perez expressed her excitement in reconnecting with her former coach, noting, “I was more excited to see coach Jackson as a person. He’s the reason why I’m where I am now. He’s a part of my basketball journey.”
Under Raneses’ guidance, the Vikings have not only improved their win-loss record but have also fostered a sense of camaraderie and teamwork. Raneses highlighted the importance of building relationships, saying, “Change won’t come in a few weeks. I asked some of the girls to give me some time before the start of league and make a judgment then.”
Players like Perez have stepped up significantly. The 5-foot-9 guard is averaging 15 points per game and has taken on additional responsibilities, including taping teammates’ ankles before games. Raneses praised her leadership, emphasizing her unselfish play style.
Another key player, Ashanti Williams, has made her mark on the team, contributing nearly 10 points per game while excelling in rebounding. Raneses described her as a motivating presence, highlighting her compassionate nature and leadership qualities.
Despite a challenging preseason record of 3-7, Raneses viewed those losses as learning experiences. “We learned a lot from those losses,” he explained. “But the game that convinced me was our first game against Milpitas. We lost by 16, but I saw enough to realize we’re not the same team.”
As the season progresses, the North Salinas Vikings continue to build on their early successes. Raneses remains committed to fostering a positive environment, stating, “I felt we just needed a little push to get this team going. The best part this year is creating that bond that is needed for success in any sport.”
With growing confidence and renewed spirits, the North Salinas girls’ basketball team aims to capitalize on their early successes and look forward to future challenges in the Cypress Division. As they continue to develop as a cohesive unit, the prospect of reclaiming their former glory appears within reach.
