If the Mission Bay girls’ basketball team is going to make a run at the CIF playoffs this season, one of the keys will be how well senior point guard Hannah Richardson does.
According to girls’ head coach Cameron Mitchell, Richardson brings a sense of calm among her other attributes to the Lady Bucs. “On the court, Hannah never gets rattled or nervous,” Mitchell commented. “She never loses her poise and with our team being so young and inexperienced, it’s nice that your point guard has the most moxie and resolve. When focused, Hannah is supremely confident and competitive. To me, that’s what a young team needs from its leader and captain.”
Coming into the season a couple of months ago, Mitchell said he wanted to continuously see Richardson (sports a 3.7 GPA in the classroom) working to stay consistent with her shooting and playmaking to accompany junior Gwen Morris Lundstrom’s scoring.
“I would love to see Hannah lead us to a championship,” Mitchell remarked. “The main thing that I try to help Hannah understand is that it’s not always about how many points you score. I believe that Hannah Richardson has championship leadership skills and lineage inside of her for sure. When Hannah is focused on the task at hand, I haven’t seen too many guards exhibit the intangibles that she possesses.”
Beach & Bay Press recently caught up with Richardson for an email interview:
BBP: When did you first start playing basketball (what age) and what do you like about the sport?
Richardson: I started playing basketball when I was eight years old and my favorite thing about basketball is competing.
BBP: Being your senior season, what are you looking to accomplish both individually and as a team? Richardson: Individually, I’m trying to become a good leader on and off the court and make my teammates better players. As a team, our goal is to win a ring. BBP: Are you going to college next year and any possibility of playing basketball then? Richardson: Yes, I am going to college next year. I am not 100 percent sure if I am going to play college basketball. BBP: For any young girls thinking of coming out for the team next season, what advice would you have for them? Richardson: My advice for younger girls trying out for basketball is confident, stay calm, work hard and be patient. CAPTION: Hannah Richardson looks to win a ring in her final season of basketball at Mission Bay High. Courtesy photo