With the gym finally remodeled, the JV girls were the first SCDS team to host a game on the new floor. However, the Cavs fell short in a close first home game of the season against Valley Christian, 23-26, on Dec. 22.
The first quarter was scoreless for the Cavs, but they played good defense and held Valley to 4 points. Sophomore Nina Dym even drew an offensive foul. Freshman Emily Hayes played despite a nagging knee injury she sustained in a game last week.
During the second quarter, the Cavs went on an 8-point run and again held Valley to 4.
Sophomore Esme Bruce-Romo and freshman Bella Mathisen both scored breakaway layups.
Late in the second quarter, Dym suffered an asthma attack and was forced to rest on the bench the rest of the quarter.
The Cavs tied the score, 8-8, going into the second half.
By the third quarter, the bleachers were starting to fill up. The parents and varsity girls’ team cheered loudly for the Cavs, especially when freshman Chloe Collinwood went on an exciting three-basket run. The energy and shooting accuracy pushed the Cavs ahead, 17-12, going into the fourth quarter.
In the fourth quarter, neither team scored for the first two-and-a-half minutes, but the game picked up speed after that. Many fouls were called on both teams, and Hayes fouled out. However, before she exited the game, the referee praised her for “good sportsmanship.”
The lead went back and forth between both teams, but in the end, Valley had the upper hand.
Bruce-Romo made what looked like a 3-pointer the buzzer, but it was ruled a 2-pointer.
Although they came up short, the girls said they were still pleased.
“I think we had our best game yet,” Dym said, I felt confident in my play for the first time, and we played really aggressively.”.
Coach Latonia Pitts also thought it was a game of great improvement.
“It was a close game and next time we’ll capitalize on a victory,” she said. “We have girls that have never played before but made a big impact.”
Mathisen, who scored 5 points, was named player of the game by Pitts because of her overall “wonderful” play.
Bruce-Romo and Collinwood led the team with 6 points apiece.
The girls take on Valley Christian again in their next game away on Jan. 5 at 3 p.m
—By Alexa Mathisen
