On Thursday, Nov. 21, at 6 p.m., the Archie Williams girls varsity basketball team faced The Bay School of San Francisco Breakers in their first home game. The Falcons dominated the game, winning with the final score of 61-17.
The first quarter began with the Falcons winning the jump ball, earning first possession. This translated to an immediate four points from sophomore guard Reese Patton. Junior point guard Delphina Dong followed suit, matching her two baskets, and sophomore forward Lydia Battaglia scored one soon after, increasing the Falcons’ lead to 10-0.
”It felt amazing [scoring the] first points as a sophomore. I felt excited getting [those] baskets,” Reese said.
The game continued, the Falcons’ defense relentless, with Reese pressuring Bay players out of bounds. Despite a score from Bay, Falcons senior Carolyn Morris, freshman Isla Fisk, Lydia, and Reese continued to score, ending the first quarter with the Falcons leading 20-3.
After a quick break, the second quarter started. The Falcons took possession of the ball and focused on scoring. In the heat of the moment, multiple fouls and shots ensued, with senior Kaeley Sullivan scoring and adding to the overall lead of 25-7. Reese scored three consecutive baskets, and coupled with a basket from Isla, ended the first half with an exciting 34-7 lead.
“You can get a little bit sluggish when you’re winning by so much, [and] it’s hard to k
eep up that energy. But I think it’s really helpful for the bench to be loud and overall support[ive],” Delphina said.
After a 10-minute break, the second half began, with the Falcons starting. Lydia scored seconds into the quarter, followed by junior Lila Peterson, as the Falcons’ passing game proved effective.
With exciting repetition, Lila’s two- and three-pointers, aided by her teammates, led the Falcons to a 43-7 lead. The game continued with both teams trading baskets and shots, a Bay player making two baskets and pushing the score to 43-12. A swift layup from Kaeley finalized the third quarter with the score at 45-12.
The Falcons were ahead by 33 points at the start of the fourth quarter and through teamwork, communication, and hard work the Falcons continued to run up the scoreboard, finalizing the game and securing the win with a score of 61-17. Coach of the girl’s varsity basketball team, Zach Wahle, believed his team played well and started the season off right.
“I feel like it was good for us to start the year [off positively] and hopefully build some confidence,” Wahle said.
The team’s next game is a home game against Tamalpais High School Saturday, Nov. 23, at 6 p.m.
