PLAYOFFS OR BUST!: Nimitz Eyeing First Playoff Appearance Since 2016

HEADING INTO HER THIRD SEASON LEADING NIMITZ, CHRISTY WESTBROOKS FEELS LIKE THEY ARE CLOSE.

With a solid group of seniors back for the 2019-2020 campaign, Westbrooks feels more confident than ever that the Cougars are playoff bound.

"This year we're extremely close," Westbrooks said. "We have a good group of returning seniors, so we have more experience. Them being seniors makes them very focused. It brings a different dynamic to the team that only seniors can bring. So, playoffs is definitely something in focus for us this year."

Last year, Nimitz finished just on the outside looking in with a record of 14-16 overall, which was an improvement.

"Last year we fell short with keeping the same intensity every game," senior Mariah Samuel said. "We would come in slacking some games. But I feel like with this group of seniors and this team, we're coming in ready to play."

What makes this senior class – headlined by first-team, all-district selection Tyra Davis – is they have been playing together since their freshman year, three of them as teammates on varsity.

"The playoffs have been in my head since my freshman year," Davis said. "With this group that we have this year, I believe that we can make it there."

Davis leads the group along with Samuel (shooting guard, point guard), center Tierra Goosby, Kia Robertson and Ny'Asia Vance, who will emerge this year at the point.

"I feel like we have more experience," Samuel said. "We click now. We've just got it now. I feel it this year, I know we're going to make it."

That kind of work-hard attitude was apparent to Westbrooks, especially this summer.

In the weight room, during AAU, taking shot after shot at night, Westbrooks believes this group is "definitely prepared" and Davis hopes they set the standard for classes to come.

"The goal for another group coming in is to keep that standard right there and just keep pushing,"

Davis said." Look for a common goal and once you look for that, that's how you get there."

Bradley Collier/VYPE Media

Bradley Collier/VYPE Media

Bradley Collier/VYPE Media

Bradley Collier/VYPE Media

Bradley Collier/VYPE Media

Bradley Collier/VYPE Media