Coming into their game on Tuesday, Jan. 22, Redwood girls’ varsity basketball had an advantage over the opposing team, Novato High School, with a record of 11-0 in the MCAL league compared to Novato’s 1-9 record. Last month, Redwood beat Novato with a final score of 60-12, a feat they hoped to replicate this game, according to Coach Diane Peterson. Peterson credited their eventual overwhelming 70-14 victory to strong teamwork and the practice they have been putting in.
In the first quarter, sophomore Kylie Horstmeyer started off strong for the Giants by scoring six points. The Novato girls were held back from scoring as Horstmeyer retained possession of the ball and the team worked together to score. The momentum continued through the first quarter, which ended with a score of 18-1. The Redwood girls remained motivated into the second quarter as sophomore Adelaide Duryee scored another six points for Redwood, keeping the offense strong. At the same time, the defense managed to steal the ball from Novato every time the opposition went for a shot. By halftime, the score was 35-5 and the Redwood girls remained in high spirits as they left the court.
Sophomore Stella Neuschul was pleased with the team’s performance in the first half and has high hopes for the rest of the season. Neuschel credited their success to hard practice and all the time they spent working together as a team.
“I think we were more cohesive this time because we have been practicing for a lot longer. This time we were able to move our feet on defense and do a better job,” Neuschul said.
The third quarter highlighted the Redwood girls’ skills in communication and driving the ball down the court. After the quarter, the score was 61-9, and the Redwood girls were prepared to show more of their strength in the last quarter. Once again, Horstmeyer was a top scorer with six points in the third quarter.
In the final quarter, the girls responded to Peterson’s constant encouragement from the sidelines as she told them to slow down and pass the ball around to drain the clock. After a few personal fouls on both teams and free throw shots, the final score was 70-14, bringing the team to a record of 12-0 in MCAL this season and the top spot in the league.
Peterson emphasized that every game they play, the team tries their hardest and puts all of their effort on the court.
“Our main focus today was taking advantage of every opportunity on both offense and defense, and keep practicing really good habits,” Peterson said.
According to Neuschul, the Giants consistently dominated in their ball handling and communication, and had more steals than in their game last month against Novato. Peterson also agreed that the girls are consistently growing together.
“Their work ethic, and pushing each other in practice, and making each other better even when we’re not playing against someone else has definitely helped them improve,” Peterson said.
With their practice and skills together as a team, junior Yessenia Mendieta believes that the team has a clear goal in mind.
“We’ve been prepping for the big games. We want to go as far as we can, but especially win MCALs against Marin Catholic, and get that second pennant. I don’t want to say we’re going to get it, but it’s a possibility for sure,” Mendieta said.
The Giants play their next game on Thursday, Jan. 24 against Drake High School at Redwood.