Girls basketball entered league play as a young team, expecting a rebuilding season. In the past months of play, however, they have shattered expectations. The team began their season with a preseason record of 7-5. Although the team finished in a solid third place last year, nearly half of that team graduated. The majority of players on this year’s team are either freshmen or sophomores. Despite these reasons that may have caused other teams to overlook them, the Eagles have surged to the top of their league with an undefeated record of 7-1.

The Eagles have emphasized an up-tempo style, defense, rebounding and teamwork. With youth often times comes inexperience, lack of leadership and time needed for rebuilding. This has not been the case with this young Los Altos team, who currently stands atop league standings.

“We have been very fortunate that all 15 girls work very well together and like one another,” head coach Kevin Lee said. “Our younger players have stepped up and are playing like juniors and seniors.  All of our players have bonded on and off the court.  We have a happy family.”

Freshman Meg Enthoven is already the second leading scorer, averaging 8.8 points per game. She specializes in a mid-range spot along the baseline. She will be a critical component of the team this year as well as three to come. Other underclassmen including freshman Katie Munro and sophomore Rebecca Andrews have stepped up to become critical members of the team. Rebecca has become a huge defensive presence, especially during the Lady Eagles’ signature full court pressure. This pressure was a major component of their upset over Mountain View.

The team has been led by sharp-shooting senior Ideen Seyed who is leading in points with 12.1 per game. After Ideen’s impressive season last year, much was expected of her. She has not let anyone down. In addition to her scoring, Ideen has come to share the ball more with her teammates. This contributes to Lee’s emphasis on “team.” The Eagles’ team mentality is one of their great secrets to success.

“We have gelled really well together this year, which has been a huge factor in our success,” junior Meghan McDermott said. “Since we have such great chemistry, on offense we are really able to move the ball around, which has created a fairly even distribution of points throughout the season for our team.”

Now that the Eagles have proven their dominance, especially by defeating tough teams such as rival Mountain View and Homestead, hopes have risen for what the end of league may bring and what might happen after.

 “We would like to see similar success in the second half of league like we have in the first,” Lee said. “We cannot look beyond league until and unless we qualify for CCS.  That goal becomes more realistic with each game we win.”