“Shoot!” We’ll Get ‘Em Next Time!
Written By: Lea Ozdere and Kenia Trujillo
Having just placed second in their most recent basketball tournament, Harbor’s Varsity girls basketball team were disappointed to lose their game against Edison on Thursday, January 12th. Nevertheless, they ended the loss with smiles on their faces, eager to practice more and dominate their next one.
The girls poured their hearts and souls into the game; their sweat being the evidence of their hard work. They started by practicing some shots and passes to get fired up. Meanwhile, loud music echoed through the gym, hyping up the audience and exciting the fans to cheer with hoots and hollers. Then, the starting line-up was announced, and the first quarter began.
Starting off the first quarter with a bang, Lisa Hamilton, #42, scored the first shot, setting a nice tone for the game. Exchanging the ball between both teams the score was 10-6 with Edison in the lead, with shots by Lexi Alvarez, #2, Eunice Nacho, #3, and Lisa Hamilton, #42. Continuing in the lead, Edison scored another 4 shots, two of which being foul shots. Harbor’s own Lisa Hamilton, #42 once again made a basket to bring up the score now, 8-16. The score didn’t stay long when Lexi Alvarez, #2, made another shot, followed by three more foul shots, making the score for the 1st quarter 20-13.
The second quarter was looking up for Harbor with scoring one foul and one two-point shot by Lisa Hamilton and Eunice Nacho, catching up the score to 15-20. Edison struck back with a 3-pointer made and 2 foul shots. Edison’s streak was broken by the 3-pointer shot and a 1 point foul shot by #2, Lexi Alvarez. Soon 2 foul shots were made by Edison and a 3 pointer by #33. Lisa Hamilton made a 2-pointer and one foul shot, while Edison reciprocated with 2 shots and a foul shot, with the timer just below the minute mark, the score at 22-35. With 5 seconds left at the clock #3, Eunice Nacho shot a buzzer beater, completing the end of the second quarter with a score of 24-35.
With one half of the game down and a current score of 24-35, our Newport Harbor girls varsity basketball team rallied together for the second half. After a group huddle and cheer, Harbor’s girls went out onto the court, determined. Our very own freshman, Ashleigh McPhie, #35, scored the first shot of the 3rd quarter, making it 26-35. Running full speed down the court after a turnover, Harbor eventually made an outstanding 3-pointer, by #3, Eunice Nacho, after a couple passes around the hoop, leaving the fans on their feet cheering at the advance in the score of 29-43. After the ball traveled to both sides of the court with a few minor baskets, Edison attacked, once again, making two 3-pointers, expanding the gap between the two scores, Edison leading, 48-32. Harbor closing the gap with a shot by #2, Lexi Alvarez, however, only to be followed by Edison‘s 3-pointer. The 3rd quarter ended with Harbor still behind, 34-53.
Looking for a change in the 4th quarter, the starters were in their positions, after their small routine of huddling and getting pumped. After playing roughly for a few minutes, Harbor made a foul, giving Edison the opportunity of two foul shots. One missed, but swished the second, raising the score for Edison to 54-34. After back and forth on the court and switching possession, the score remained the same. The final buzzer rang with a buzzer beater from Edison, obtaining victory, 56-34.
Although our Harbor girls varsity basketball team were not the winners tonight, they still walked off the court full of pride and huddled together, appreciating one another for the hard work in the game. Their attitudes towards themselves and the opposing team remained positive, proving Harbor’s maturity and respect. They may not be winners in this game, but they are winners in our hearts, and we cannot wait to see them continue to push themselves and excel throughout the season. Go Girls Basketball!
Checkout the team’s website here:
http://nhhsgirlsbasketball.
