Written by Carter Thweatt // Graphic by Wagner Valdez
The Harding men’s and women’s basketball teams don’t usually have to travel very far for their games. This past month, however, that changed in a big way.
On the weekend of Nov.12, the men’s team went to Puerto Rico to play two local teams there. Over Thanksgiving break, the women’s team did the same, playing two games in the capital city of San Juan. The teams weren’t exactly sure what sort of competition level to expect, but senior Davis Morgan said the Puerto Rican teams gave them a run for their money.
“They weren’t as tall as other teams we’ve played, but they were very skilled,” Morgan said. “We had to respect their ability to make shots, just like we do with every team we play.”
The men’s team won both games they played by double digits — the closest margin was 13. The women had a bit of an easier time — they won both games by 30-point margins, even holding Puerto Rico-Mayaguez to 20 points. Freshman Ella Grace Thompson said this didn’t make the games any less enjoyable.
“Both teams were really scrappy and aggressive, and it was a lot of fun to compete in the Roberto Clemente Coliseum,” Thompson said. “It was a really cool environment.”
For fifth year guard Ramiro Santiago, who was born in Argentina, the game offered him a chance to take a more active role than usual.
“I had to translate for coach [Jeff] Morgan a couple of times so that he could talk to the refs,” Santiago said. “That was pretty funny.”
Santiago added that while the trip did help the team gain confidence on the court, it helped them in other ways, as well. Davis Morgan had similar thoughts.
“It wasn’t just the games,” Morgan said. “It was the bus rides, the time in the airport, the many trips to get ice cream, the relaxing by the pool. We had so much fun just being with each other.”
Santiago shared a similar perspective about the trip.
“We had a really good time and a lot of laughs, and that helped our team bonding,” Santiago said. “The trip also helped in a basketball way, because winning the two games helped our confidence as a team.”
For Thompson, the trip was an opportunity to play ball, but also to visit a new place. She said that was an unforgettable experience.
“I’ll remember most visiting Old San Juan,” Thompson said. “There was tons of shopping and sightseeing. … It was a really pretty day to walk around and enjoy that part of San Juan.”
