Women’s Basketball Team Kicks Off New Season

Wright’s women's basketball team the Lady Rams officially started their season. Coach Zaporia Smith talked about some of the goals and expectations she has. “My goal is for the girls to complete and graduate with their associates degree first and foremost outside the court, and for on the court looking back we didn’t do so well, for sure looking to win some games and build the chemistry for the team to be able to play well on the court so we can win those games.” 

When asked which players to watch for this season Coach Smith said Lydianis Boutureira, the sophomore center who plays on both the basketball and volleyball team. “She has done tremendous things within volleyball and I know she’s gonna do great things her sophomore year on the basketball team.” 

Boutureira said, “ I think my expectations are we should all be working hard, we should be playing like it’s our last game because for me it is, almost every game is the last game I'll play, my expectations for myself is to win regional player, make first team if anything, and get more double doubles.” 

Assistant Coach Kiya King said, “My expectations this year are to win more beatable games then we did last year, also to go to playoffs and my expectations as well to graduate the sophomores.” 

 Smith also said freshman shooting guard Ke’Aira Collins shows promise. “The shooting IQ she brings to this team I think is something to watch and I can’t wait to coach her for the season,” Smith said. Collins shared how she hopes to contribute to the Lady Rams this season. “To get some wins for my team and be that game changer my team needs and just contribute any way I can this season,” Collins said. 

Boutureira said, “I was a freshman and I’ve gotten double doubles as a freshman so if I can do it you can do anything, like you just have to work and you just have to want it.”  

The Lady Rams current record is 0-5. Their next game is on Tuesday at home against Morton College at 5 p.m.

Women’s basketball team practice layout and rebound drills on Nov. 10. (Photo Credit: Santiago Ramirez.)