The JV girls’ basketball team showed down against the Hutto Hippos on Friday, Jan. 30. The two teams went head to head, but the Warriors came out on top winning the game 62-12, demolishing the Hippos. Although coming off multiple delayed games due to the weather, the Warriors were able to quickly adjust and give the Hippos a hard time. 

“We felt excited going into this game, but not very prepared, because a lot of people got sick over the weekend,”
Alexa Rodriguez ‘26 said. “Additionally we missed so many games because they got cancelled due to the weather, so it was important to really focus this game.

Although the Warriors started the game with the lull of a missed tip off, the Warriors were able to convert the blunder to a point by rebounding the ball– allowing Varsha Ram ‘29 score a layup. The two teams exercised multiple in-bounds plays, but the Westwood defense was able to stop the Hippos from advancing towards the basket, forcing them to take many shots outside the three-point line. While rushing towards an open basket, Julissa Rodriguez ‘28 was fouled by Hutto defense, securing two free throws to advance the Warriors lead to 6-2. The Hippos continued to foul the Warriors, helping them climb the score board. Unfortunately, the Warriors were not able to continue the winning tone of the game, and ended up letting the Hippos concede six points against them, leveling the game at 8-8. However, prior to the end of the first quarter, the Warriors were able to make a crucial drive towards the basket followed by a layup from Julissa Rodriguez, ending the quarter on top 10-8.

“The first quarter was slow, because today was our first game in nine days,” Elizabeth Lowe ‘28 said. “All of our games lately have been getting canceled because of the weather, so we haven’t actually played a real game and everybody just got back from being sick. Other than that we did really well, finishing out with the lead.”

Coming off the break, Kylie Xu ‘28 rebounded the ball to quickly convert the Warriors defense into a fast following offense. Furthermore a defensive foul on Isla Wilson ‘28, was converted into two Westwood free throws pulling the Warriors up,14-8. Through utilization of zone defense, Westwood was able to stop the Hippo’s defense and therefore were able to make crucial interceptions of passes, and aggressive blocks to further solidify the lead to 16-8. After a rebound off a failed three-pointer by Hutto, Westwood made a solid long pass to Lowe, who then scored a three- pointer bringing the score to 21-8. The Warriors continued to apply heavy pressure on Hutto defense, with offensive players Ram and Julissa Rodriguez make crucial drives toward the basket, and positioning themselves in key areas to make well executed shots. The Warriors breezed through the second quarter finishing it 25-8. 

“I would say the best quarter was the second quarter,” Julissa Rodriguez said. “Personally, I had a lot of points, and overall the team was really able to pick it up from there onwards. We just got better and better after the second quarter. 

Coming out of halftime, Hutto started off strong rushing toward the basket where an offensive foul by Lowe helped the Hippos secure a free throw leading to their first point since the opening quarter at, 25-9. This foul changed Westwood’s play style, with the Warriors switching to an aggressive man-to-man defense. This new strategy allowed the Warriors  to gain more rebounds on the defensive side helping them gain possession on offense. Great passing by the Warriors and communication helped them contribute more points to the scoreboard pushing their lead to 34-9. Hutto eventually cracked down on the Warriors offense by putting pressure on key shooters Ram and Julissa Rodriguez. Despite this, the Hippos still were not able to succeed as the Warriors finished the quarter 38-9. 

“The third quarter was really crucial, as we really found our rhythm and were able to score lots of points,” Alex said. We also got a lot of steals and we switched to man-to-man defense really helped us to block important passes.”

In the final quarter, Ram and Julissa Rodriguez once again stepped up for their team by working together to help soar over the Hippos on the scoreboard at 50-9. The two swept past Hutto defense using hard and fast drives toward the basket and very technical ball handling skills. Alexa Rodriguez made crucial blocks which further helped add points to the score board. Unfortunately, however, the Hippos did concede a three-pointer, growing their side of the scoreboard to 50-12. It didn’t take long for the Warriors to find their rhythm, and concede 12 more consecutive points against the Hippos. The Warrior finished off the game thrashing the Hippos 62-12.

“It definitely started off as a hard game,” Wilson said. “Once we found our pace we were able to overcome the difficulties and were able to win the game by a bunch of points. This was definitely one of our best games of the season. 

The Westwood Warriors concluded the game demolishing the Hutto Hippos, 62-12. Following this victory, the Warriors will play against Round Rock High School on Friday, February 6. This will be their second to last game, prior to concluding their season.