Lady Pirates captures first win of the season over Stevi

Polson Lady Pirates basketball coach Juan Perez knows championships aren’t won in December and with that in mind, he continues to work on making his team better with each passing week.

The Lady Pirates took a big step in that direction by winning their first game of the season in a 40-37 victory over Stevensville on Jan. 12. Perez said the victory built more than confidence. It also provided them with validation they can win games.

“They are learning that even though we may be the underdog, teams can’t just come in, play us and walk all over us,” Perez said. “They are going to have to earn it. That has probably been a little bit different mentality from what we’ve had in the past. I think our players are learning and progressing as well as they can be. I think if they see that they can win games and win close games, they are going to fight and battle.”

Perez said he continues to see “growth” in his team’s abilities moving forward.

“I think that it’s a big thing for me is just overcome and continue to grow together as a team,” Perez said. “Skill wise, it’s always nice. I continue to grow and they continue to gel and support each other like teams should. I think it was big. I think the girls were extremely happy to finally get the win after all of the hard work and win for themselves and our community. The victory meant a lot to them.”

Perez, who has coached the Salish Kootenai College women’s basketball to five AIHEC championships in his 15 seasons as head coach, knows that February and March are when you want to play your best basketball and has expressed optimism towards playing their best basketball as they get closer to the postseason.

“I think everyone in their own way is making progress and I can’t say one player on the team stands out more than the others,” Perez said. “They are all making progress and to me, that is what it is all about.”

Perez, whose team will now embark on the second half of their conference schedule, said he is ready to see how his team will progress as they continue to work towards the postseason.

“I am excited to just continue to move forward and looking forward as we march towards the postseason,” Perez said. “I am excited to see what we can do in the postseason.”

The Lady Pirates will try to get their second win of the season when they take on Whitefish Saturday afternoon at Whitefish High School.