With only three games left in the district season, the JV girls’ basketball team came out and dominated the Hendrickson Hawks with a 60-32 win Friday, Jan. 2. Despite such a strong victory, the team’s chances at making playoffs will be determined by their performance in the next few games.

The first quarter began with the Hawks winning the tip off, giving them a slight advantage and allowing them to make the first two-point shot. Anisha Chintala ‘21 made several notable steals and accounted for eight of the team’s 13 points. Though the Lady Warriors attempted to make one last shot before the buzzer, it did not go through. Ultimately, the quarter ended with a 13-13 tie.

Coming into the second quarter, the Lady Warriors started off strong with Chintala making a three-pointer. Riley Hammock ‘20 also made a total of three three-pointers. While the Hawks, on the other hand, struggled both offensively and defensively. Within the last few seconds of the quarter, Chintala stole ball from the Hawks and made her buzzer beater two-point shot, ending the quarter at 36-18 in the Lady Warriors’ favor.

“Defensively, we could have improved. There was one girl that was scoring all their points and we’ve could’ve closed her out better,” Chintala said. “There’s only three more games left but if we keep playing like this I think we’ll do well.”

While both teams exited the gym at halftime, a Warrior Pride performance attracted a greater audience and kept the crowd alive.

Starting the third quarter, the Lady Warriors maintained their dominance. With a pass from Hammock to Emma Zion ‘21, Zion was able to make a two-pointer. Hammock also made her fourth three-pointer of the night. However, the end of the quarter ended harshly for the Lady Warriors. Chintala was knocked to the ground in the middle of a play and was forced to limp off to the side of the court. The final plays were three two-pointers by the Hawks, raising the score 50-26.

“Coach Peyton’s consequences when we don’t get things right have definitely helped our team a lot,” Taylor Cason ‘20 said.

In the final quarter of the night, both teams picked up their offense but ultimately the Lady Warriors overcame the Hawks. Despite a missed shot by Meghan Booknis ‘20, Zion was able to recover the ball and score a two-point shot. The Hawks were then able to make three two-pointers in the quarter but missed their opportunity when it came to free throws. Booknis made the final two-pointer of the night, ending the game at 60-32 with the Lady Warriors on top.

“We just need to beat Round Rock to get first and we beat them by one point last time,” Cason said.

The next game will take place at Westwood versus the McNeil Mavericks Tuesday, Jan. 30 at 5:30 p.m..