The Birmingham girls’ basketball team consists of a highly skilled and talented group of athletes, with a championship pedigree and an impressive depth of talent that positions them as serious contenders for the upcoming season.
Several team members have strong basketball connections within their families. For instance, Dee Dee Berry’s father, who currently serves as an assistant coach for the Patriots, secured a CIF Los Angeles City Section title in 1996. Similarly, Zoe Mitchell’s older brother, David Elliott, was part of the championship-winning team in 2021.
As the Birmingham team gears up for the City Section Open Division championship game against Westchester, they have demonstrated a strong historical record and a deep roster.
Coach Victor Koopongsakorn has expressed that this year’s team is one of the deepest the school has ever had, allowing the coaching staff to experiment with various lineups to effectively match up against opponents. Koopongsakorn’s confidence in being able to rotate eight to 10 different players on any given night, with minimal drop-off in skill from the bench, is commendable.
One noteworthy strategy employed by Birmingham is fielding two bigs in its lineup, a tactic uncommon in high school girls’ basketball. Coupled with experienced guards and proficient passers, the team presents itself as a formidable opponent.
Despite encountering shooting struggles in their semifinal game, the Patriots have prioritized the importance of defence. Koopongsakorn highlighted the team’s defensive capabilities in generating stops and easy baskets, even in the absence of successful shooting.
Moreover, the team has gained confidence after securing their first West Valley League championship this season and triumphing over Granada Hills for the first time since 2010. This newfound confidence has allowed them to elevate their game to the level of their competition and handle the pressure of being the favoured team.
In addition to Birmingham’s success, several other championship games are scheduled to take place in the coming days, including Kennedy vs. Van Nuys, Sierra Canyon vs. Etiwanda, Louisville vs. Lakewood, and Cerritos vs. Oak Park.
Birmingham’s impressive performance throughout the season has solidified their position as strong contenders in the upcoming championship game. Their combination of championship pedigree, depth, and confidence has primed the Birmingham girls’ basketball team to make a profound statement on the court, making it a highly anticipated game worth tuning in to watch.