The girls varsity basketball team battled it out against alumni players at the annual alumni game on Nov. 26. But even with strong defense and fierce competition, the Matadors did not triumph over the alumni.
In the first quarter, the girls could not take hold of the game, allowing the alumni team to weave through the Matadors defense and shoot several open shots throughout the beginning of the game. On the offensive end, they were not able to break the tough defensive of the alumni team, forcing the shot clock to run out on multiple occasions. With the multiple shot clock violations, MVHS panicked and therefore wasted precious ball time and possible points by shooting already guarded three pointers. These lost opportunities ended the first quarter with the girls trailing behind 3-8.
As the Matadors stepped up their defense with more aggressive plays, like diving on the floor for loose balls, the alumni offense began to slowly back down. As the Matadors’ defense drastically improved, so did their offense. Lady Mats quickly passed the ball on the perimeter to weaken the alumni defense, allowing sophomore Stephanie Jennings to shrink the lead. Jennings was later able to tie the score at 14-14. However, the girls were unable to maintain a strong defense, allowing the alumni team to penetrate through with a three-point shot. With seconds to spare, MVHS scored, ending the quarter one point behind 16-17.
”We were laughing about [the game], we weren’t taking it seriously. Then it became a close game and we stepped it up,” class of 2009 alumna Michelle Young said.
The Lady Mats began the second half unfocused leading to many turnovers and few offensive opportunities. Senior point guard Steffanie Sum took charge of her team and motivated them, to stay calm — they were able to come together again and with good movement and several strong cuts. The Lady Mats created an opening in the key, allowing sophomore Tiffany Tsai to shoot an easy layup. By the time the Matadors had strengthened their communication on the court and took control of the game, the score was 18-17 MVHS. This sudden increase in communication and aggressiveness allowed them to gain a four point lead on the alumni, jumping ahead at 21-17.
However, MVHS was not able to keep their lead in the fourth quarter. The alumni picked up their intensity, as MVHS stayed flat. With strong pressure from the alumni offense, they tied up the game at 29-29. This loss of aggressiveness from MVHS ultimately led to their downfall as the alumni secured three offensive rebounds and gained overall possession of the ball. Despite MVHS’ efforts and desperate attempts to break through the strong alumni defense to shoot threes, the alumni team was victorious, ending the game with an alumni victory 34-41.
“We were better at shooting, but didn’t find enough open shots and shot clock kept running out.” Jennings said.
With this being MVHS first actual scrimmage, complete with uniforms and a running clock, the Matadors now look forward to their futures games in the next coming weeks.
”We’re definitely a smaller team, and we’re going to play teams that have height like this.” Sum said. “It taught us how to play against taller and stronger players.”
The Matadors will participate in a tournament at Pioneer High School, beginning on Nov. 30.
