Grass Valley, CA - Saturday afternoon March 10th the Valley Christian Varsity Girls Basketball team embarked on the next leg of their journey – the NorCal Semifinals against #2 seed Bear River High School in Grass Valley. The day consisted of a long bus ride, a great meal in Davis, a devotional at Capital Christian High School in Sacramento and concluded with a victory in Grass Valley. Although most will remember the final score of the game and the success the team has had, the girls will remember what the day was really about – the journey together. The following is a glimpse into Saturday’s journey and excerpts from Suzanne Baker’s devotional she shared with the team at Capital Christian.

What it takes to be a “TEAM”

T     TRUST
Being consistent/dependable. Being confidential. Being close.

Consistency is the play of each member of the Warriors team. Dependability is the important free throws and big-plays made by the Warriors in crucial moments. Confidential is the bond these girls have formed this year. Close is the family atmosphere the coaches have created and that the girls embody. Trust is what the Warriors have in God, in each other, and in their coaches. These were all evident Saturday as the Valley Christian Warriors Girls Basketball team traveled to Bear River High School in Grass Valley for the NorCal Semifinals.

E     EMPATHY
Slow down. Show emotions.

The journey began early afternoon as the Warriors boarded their bus at Valley Christian. Although the day was carefully planned, it was evident early that God orchestrated the details. They traveled two hours to their first stop, Davis, where they ate dinner at Applebee’s. The Warriors had a chance to slow down and enjoy each others company. The team was seated outside on the patio where University of Davis memorabilia covered the walls. A full-size picture of a University of Davis Women’s basketball player hung behind them. College basketball played on the TV. An autographed University of Davis Women’s basketball jersey hung further down on the wall. The girls talked, laughed, and enjoyed a meal together as they were surrounded by basketball.

A     ACCOMODATION
Accommodate each other’s needs, ideas, personalities and faults.

The Warriors boarded their bus and headed to the next stop on their journey, Capital Christian, in Sacramento. As the bus pulled onto campus the team was amazed by the beautiful facilities. The girls were greeted by Athletic Director Scott Sorgea and Suzanne Baker, the Girls Varsity Basketball Coach and Chaplain to the 2005 WNBA Champions the Sacramento Monarchs. Scott Sorgea, former Valley Christian Junior High Athletic Director, shared words of encouragement and support for the team. Suzanne Baker shared the devotional, “What it takes to be a “TEAM”. Suzanne challenged the girls to follow God’s plan for their lives and to play for Christ. Her devotional emphasized basketball and how important each member of the team is to the overall outcome of what was to come that night.

M     MISSION
Accomplishing something together.

The Warriors re-boarded the bus and traveled the final hour to their destination, Bear River High School, in Grass Valley. The bus arrived later than scheduled and the team was greeted enthusiastically by parents, family members and friends cheering and clapping in support. Due to the graciousness of Bear River High School Athletic Director Jack McCrory and their coaching staff, tip-off was pushed back to 7:20 allowing the Warriors adequate warm-up time.

The game started out with full-court, high-intensity basketball by both teams. A loud Bear River crowd and a multitude of early foul calls did not deter the Warriors from their game plan. Early baskets were exchanged and key plays were made by both offenses. The Warriors headed into the locker room at halftime up 21-12 and energized.

The second half was full of excitement and intense basketball. The Bear River Bruins came back to within four points (Valley Christian 33 – Bear River 28) in the final minutes of the fourth quarter but the Warriors, led by senior Torey Walker, were never afraid. Walker’s composure and ability to drive to the basket energized the team and kept the lead. Freshman AJ Newton hit a big three and finished her free throws to solidify the lead.

The Warriors prevailed! Winning the game (Valley Christian 43 – Bear River 33) the Warriors embark on their first-ever trip to the NorCal Finals next Saturday at Delta College in Stockton. The Warriors will play #1 seed St Patrick/St Vincent High School at 5:00pm.

“Be of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.” - Phil. 2:2