On February 12th, 2021, the Mercy Monarchs suited up for the last regular season home game. I had a chance to interview the senior basketball players, Anou Akot, Annie Vanna and Marissa Vargas.

Q: You guys just completed your last home game. What are your thoughts and feelings right now?

AA: I felt really sad because I’m never going to play on this court again.

MV: I’m happy despite the rough season we had, we stuck through it together. 

AV: I think we fought hard until the end but it was really hard when the last buzzer went off.

Q: What’s one of the hardest things your team had to get through together?

A: At first it was the masks but we got through that with condition and things. We also had to do some team bonding since we lost eight seniors and had a whole new team.

Q: What’s the next step for your team?

AV: The team needs to have more chemistry and do more team bonding. 

AA: and then next up we have subdistricts on Monday.

MV: Hopefully the juniors will be more experiences than last year since they were lucky enough to experience varsity already. 

Q: If you could say anything to the juniors and underclassmen taking over the team, what would you say?

AV: Step up and be a leader. Don’t be scared to help the underclassmen.

AA: Take advantage of the time you have because you never know how soon the end will come. Take advantage of the little moments.

MV: Don’t take anything for granted because you never know when it will be the last time you play. Also, have fun on and off the court and build more bonds that way. This way you actually learn how to play as a team.

Q: Is this your last Mercy sport? 

AA: I’m running track.

MV: I’m playing soccer.

AV: I’m done.

Q: Do you have an additional feelings because of the fact that you are done? 

AV: It’s definitely sad but it was a fun season and we had fun with each other! 

AA: It’s going to be something I will never forget. It was a good experience for sure.