The Irvine Valley women's basketball team celebrated a special 2022-23 season with its banquet last week.
Honors were awarded and accolades handed out, but it was the bond of the team and the way they fought all year that was talked about by first-year head coach Jason Garey in front of friends and family members.
Irvine Valley's goal of making it to the state tournament ended with a loss at Orange Coast in a So. Cal. Regional Final. OCC ended up going on to capture the state championship.
But it didn't take away what the Irvivne Valley players and coaching staff achieved this past season.
"I am so proud of what this team accomplished and appreciate all of the love and support that we received," Garey said after IVC's tough defeat at Orange Coast on Mar. 4.
The Lasers were still ranked in the top 20 in the state all season and ended with a record of 21-9 overall.
They also finished third in a strong Orange Empire Conference. The top two teams - Orange Coast and Cypress - each made the state tourney.
Freshman guard Trasara Alexander was named first team all-conference and averaged 15.4 points and 9.4 rebounds per game on the season.
Sophomore guard Kennedy Pucci was named the defensive player of the year in the OEC and averaged 9.9 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game.
But coach Garey and his assistant coaches Michael Bagatourian, Breyanna Hernandez and Joe Rubino brought to light what each player meant to the program.
Among the award winners on the night were Alexander as the team MVP, Pucci as the defensive player of the year, sophomore guard Kaila Truby as IVC's annual H.I.P award winner, sophomore post player Alara Ersu as most improved and freshman guard Emily Freeman as most academic for the Lasers. Freeman averaged 9.2 points and led the Lasers in three-pointers on the season.
"I love the banquet because it gives us a moment to recognize the accomplishments we achieved throughout the season," Garey said. "We took some time out to announce our individual award winners and all of the players did so much for us.
"With our H.I.P. award, Kaila brought an attitude of toughness that really inspired the team. For defense, Kennedy was tasked with a difficult defensive assignment. She was great at cutting off angles and executing our plans.
"And with MVP, Trasara did it all," Garey added. "Whether it was making a play and getting a bucket herself or finding someone open. Or winning a loose ball. She also guarded multiple positions. And was an incredible leader.
"I couldn't have asked for a better group to coach and be around."
