West Brunswick High School

2

South Brunswick

4

Apr 17 / Varsity Women's Soccer
West Brunswick High School

8

North Brunswick

6

Apr 17 / Varsity Baseball
West Brunswick High School

7

West Bladen

0

Apr 15 / Varsity Women’s Soccer
West Brunswick High School

2

South Brunswick

4

Apr 15 / Varsity Women’s Soccer
West Brunswick High School

3

Hoggard

7

Apr 14 / Varsity Baseball
West Brunswick High School

0

Hoggard

2

Apr 14 / Varsity Softball

Why Girls Basketball should get Equal Treatment

Yehimi Lucio Ramirez, Staff writer

Jan 14, 2026

The two teams are both going after the ball to try to shoot it.

Why students should also support and cheer on girls’ basketball as much as students do for boys’ basketball

The big picture: In the winter seasons, one thing that’s hard to miss is the sports, but many people wonder why boys sports get more attention than girls sports. Girls and boys sports are mostly the same, the only difference is the gender of the players. So why do people prefer watching boys play rather than girls?

“When it’s time for the girls it’s like the crowd dies down,” said Grace Kitchen, a senior center on the Varsity women’s basketball team. “Then you’re seeing 50 people come in for the boy’s game, as you’re leaving the court.”

Why it matters: Student support at girls’ basketball games can play a significant role in athlete performance. Fortunately, girls’ basketball doesn’t seem to receive as much attention as boys’ basketball, which can often impact team energy, school spirit, and equity in the sports culture.

“I love Paige Bueckers and it’s almost like we’re gonna get compared to them but we are nowhere near as good, so to students we are just a girls basketball team,” said senior, Grace Kitchen.

Students go to support friends if they aren’t connected they are most likely not going to go.
Students are less likely to go if their friends are not attending.
Limited announcements, posters, or pep rallies for the girls’ basketball team.
The boys’ games typically get more promotions or hype than the girls.

What they are saying: Many people may assume boys’ games are more competitive, but when you actually go to the girls’ games, they are just as competitive or intense as the boys’ games. The effort, teamwork, and energy deserve the same recognition and audience size.

“A difference I notice is speed. Boy’s games go by much quicker and they’re more intense and high energy” says freshman Zalayah Daniels.

The reality check: Students aren’t skipping games on purpose; many just follow wherever the crowd already is, but because of the lack of promotion girls’ games get, it is easier for the students to overlook it.

“Yes, I think whether you go alone or with a group can really affect if I end up going to games or not. Walking in by myself feels awkward, especially when I have to find a seat and don’t have anyone to talk to.” Said sophomore, Alex Rendon. “But if I go with a group, it’s way more fun. We can support the team, joke around, and just have fun.”

What’s next:If students want to unify the sports culture and bring everyone in as one, small actions such as bringing a friend, making posters, or cheering a little louder can make a big difference in the school spirit.

“At first I was messing around with my friend that I was going to make a poster of him with a funny picture, and he didn’t like it, but he then grew into it, and he really liked it,” said Junior, Jeremy Tapia. “I definitely think we should make posters for the players and hang them in the gym. It would be funny, but it shows our support towards the players, but also our friends.”

The bottom line: Girls’ basketball teams and girls’ sports in general deserve the same hype, recognition, and student energy. And the more students step up to support, the more the school community grows- on and off the court

Donate to The West Wind

$500

Contributed

Our Goal

Your donation will support the student journalists of West Brunswick High School. Your contribution will allow us to purchase equipment and cover our annual website hosting costs.

About the Contributors

Yehimi Lucio Ramirez, Staff writer

Yehimi Lucio Ramirez is a 15 year old sophomore beginning her first semester of journalism. Ramirez was born in Wilmington, North Carolina but grew up in Shallotte, North Carolina. Ramirez knew she wanted to join when she saw the amazing photography and The West Wind social media with all kinds of entertaining posts. “Ever since I was young I’ve always enjoyed reading books and listening to podcasts,” said Ramirez. ”It brings me peace and I enjoy listening to other people’s life-changing stories.” Ramirez has played soccer since she was 5 years old when her parents put her in a little kid’s soccer league. Ever since, she has loved playing soccer. Ramirez played soccer for school her freshmen year starting on junior varsity. “Soccer season was really fun,” said Ramirez. “I got to make new friends and make lots of good memories during practices and games. My favorite part was going out to eat after every away game.” Ramirez plans to attend college to study psychology and criminology at the University of Chapel Hill. “I have always been interested in psychology and criminology because I find it very interesting to learn how the mind works and the motivations behind criminal behavior,” said Ramirez. She continues her studies to achieve her goals and make unforgettable memories with her friends

Zuweratu Ayuuba, Staff Writer

Zuweratu Ayuuba is an exchange student from Ghana who started her exchange year this year. She comes from a place called Upper East region in Ghana found in Africa. This is her first year in America, and she is glad to attend West Brunswick High School. It is also her first time in the journalism class and is proud to be West Wind this year. She is enjoying the class so far since everyone is friendly and lovely and is interested to learn more about the club. Zuzu was born in Sewfi Kojoaba in the Western region of Ghana. She grew up in a small town called Zebilla. She says there are many differences between Ghana and America. “In America, students dress the way they like to school while in Ghana, every student is required to wear a uniform to school,” Ayuuba says. “Also, in Ghana, you are always at the boarding house when you start high school.” Ayuuba is interested in broadcasting, writing and social media. She is an outgoing, confident and funny girl who loves to make her friends smile. She enjoys listening to music and watching dance videos. “I don’t really know how to dance, but I really want to learn,” said Ayuuba. “I’m interested in the dance class at West and am excited to maybe try it.” She also likes to watch movies during her leisure time. She loves adventure and romantic movies and shows about teenagers. Ayuuba’s current binge watch is “Stranger Things.” “I’m not used to those kinds of movies, “ said Ayuuba. “Back home, we only watch movies centered around our culture, like the themes and jokes are not like the ones here in the states.” She says jollof rice is her favourite food from Africa. “It is a rice dish made from rice and tomato sauce with the spices that you like and protein which is prepared together and you can sometimes prepare the protein separately,” Ayubba said. “It is a common dish in Africa and is loved by many teenagers.”