On Friday, Jan. 9, the Archie Williams girls varsity basketball team faced the Marin Catholic High School Wildcats in their first Marin County Athletic League (MCAL) game of the season. The Wildcats dominated the game, the final score leaving the Falcons losing 16-50
The game began with the Falcons winning the tip-off and driving the ball up the court. Sophomore guard Reese Patton scored the first basket, giving the Falcons an exciting 2-0 lead.
“I feel like I could have attacked more and played better, but I was happy to get that rebound right at the beginning and make that shot,” Reese said.
The game continued, with multiple baskets, in-the-moment fouls, and a welcomed three-pointer made by freshman forward Parker Conrad changing the score to 5-16. With seconds left, senior guard Kaeley Sullivan received an efficient pass and scored, ending the first quarter with the score 7-16.
After a break, the second quarter started with both teams immediately exchanging shots at the nets. The Falcons took the battle for the ball to the ground with successful defense, and managed to steal possession multiple times.
“I thought we [played] really good defense especially towards halftime, [and] Kaiya Chiu had really good on-ball defense and brought up the intensity,” Parker said.
The game began to get closer as Reese and a Wildcat player exchanged two three-pointers, narrowing the gap 10-18. In the heat of the game, multiple fouls allowed Marin Catholic two successful free throws, bumping the score up 10-25. Despite the gap in the score, the Falcons remained undeterred, playing hard defense but ending the first half losing by 15.
After a 10-minute halftime break with performances from the Archie Williams Dance Troupe and the Marin Catholic Cheer Team, the third quarter commenced. The Wildcats, with five consecutive baskets, created a leading score of 10-39. Despite a few fouls, Reese took multiple close shots, but fortunately managed to sink a perfect three-pointer at the top of the fifth minute, sealing the third quarter’s score 13-44.
The final quarter began with the Falcons taking shots and displaying fierce defense. Despite the Wildcats’ lead in the game, the Falcons sophomore Lydia Battaglia and Kaiya each scored more points, concluding the game and finalizing the score 16-50. Girls’ varsity basketball team coach Zach Wahle expressed his belief in his team’s potential for improvement and emphasized the positive impact of his team’s leadership.
“I thought our seniors gave us more leadership and stability on the court tonight. We’re [a] young[er team], and we’ve got a long way to grow and improve,” Wahle said.
The team’s next game will take place Monday, Jan. 13, at 6 p.m. against the Branson School at the College of Marin.
