Escaping defeat by just a three-point lead and a missed shot from the other team as the clock counted down its final seconds, the Westview girls basketball team came out victorious from their game against Oceanside, Dec. 12.
The game resulted in a final score of 36-33, and the close range of points put up by both teams proved to be a pattern throughout the game. Westview was never up by more than around ten points throughout it.
Team captain Maren Zimmer (12) said that the closeness of the game was a result of Oceanside’s strong unexpected performance and aggressive tactics kept the Wolverines fighting to even out the scoreboard kept the Wolverines fighting to keep the score close.
“Going into the game, we expected an easy win based on previous years, but Oceanside performed much better than anticipated, making it a tough and competitive game,” Zimmer said. “They played very aggressively but we figured out how to adjust quickly.”
In order to combat the strength of the opposing team, point guard Sarah Heyn (11) said that she concentrated on her individual performance, and how she could positively affect the game.
“Things I focused on specifically during the game to help my team were being available for my teammates at all times if they were in trouble, as well as staying calm throughout the game even when it’s close or I am not playing my best,” Heyn said.
The game took a difficult turn for Heyn when she was benched from the middle of the first to the third half, due to fouls. While the team initially went into the game with soaring confidence, they were forced to reassess at halftime, with the Wolverines holding onto a narrow one-point lead, 16-15.
Rather than being discouraged, Mia Jacobson (11) said she felt more driven than ever to prove that Westview was the better team.
“We just weren’t playing our best,” she said. “[Oceanside] made us look a lot worse than we were, and I just really did not want to lose to them.”
Heyn said she saw the game not only as a physical battle, but a mental one. Seeing the score so close made her shift her focus to the court.
“What helped me throughout the game was the next-play mindset,” Heyn said. “[I was] not dwelling on the previous play or turnover we just had, but focusing on the positives while just giving it my all.”
According to Zimmer, the unanticipated struggle with Oceanside’s aggressive playing created a satisfying and well-earned victory for the Wolverines. She said she was especially proud of her team’s hard work and deserved victory.
“Throughout the game, I tried to give my full effort all of the time,” Zimmer said. “I’ve seen throughout the years that the team who wants it more will always come out on top.”
