Girls basketball, coming off a four-game losing streak,beat Carlsbad, 46-39, Dec. 12. Leading the charge for the Wolverines were Jazzy Bernabe (10) and Jiyah Baylon (10) as the highest scorers and rebounders for the game. Baylon scored 8 points and 9 rebounds and Bernabe had 15 points.
Baylon said the team has started picking up energy these last few games due to their chemistry and growing bond. Heading into the game, she said the Wolverines felt confident and prepared.
“I knew Carlsbad was going to be a competitive team, but with the adjustments and preparation, I knew we were going to win,” Baylon said.
After early second-chance points by the Wolverines, the deciding factor of the game came on the defensive and offensive glass. According to Baylon, Westview consistently out-hustled the Lancers for the majority of the game, which led to second-chance point opportunities that were vital towards their victory.
“Prior to the game, we worked on our plays, energy, and team work,” Baylon said. “I think that all of these things really showed throughout the game and even though we were going through some challenges, we still stuck together and stuck with our strengths.”
Throughout the first and second quarter, Bernabe was able to find space inside and make tough shots and layups in the paint.
The game went back and forth in the first two quarters, but the Wolverines were able to build an eight-point lead at half time, 25-17.
Baylon said she attributes a lot of the offensive successes to intense training and consistent effort.
“I think everyone on the team has been working hard but [Bernabe] has really shown her hard work on the court,” Baylon said.
After a low-scoring third quarter, the Wolverines had given themselves a comfortable lead with a 14 point cushion. But by the middle of the fourth quarter, the Lancers were slowly mounting a comeback. However, the Wolverines were able to cement the victory after getting two stops on the defensive end with a minute left on the scoreboard. Bernabe was also able to convert a free throw with 20 seconds left to put the game out of reach for Carlsbad.
Baylon said the Wolverines look to maintain this momentum heading into league play and the Holiday Classic over winter break. Baylon said she believes in the team and recognizes they have the ability to win tough games and go far.
“We are going to continue to work on our chemistry and build on our skills even more,” she said. “Our team’s expectations are to become champions and get a seat in the playoffs. We can do that by making sure we put in 110% effort, stay together, and most importantly, make sure we have fun.”
