Before the game started the varsity women’s basketball team took a moment to honor their seniors one last time on their home court. Senior Night marked the final game for the seniors, a night filled with love and recognition for years of dedication to the program. As each senior was announced and walked the floor with their families, the seniors celebrated. When the ceremony concluded, the focus quickly shifted to the hardwood as the Warriors prepared to face Stony Point in their final game of the season. The Warriors ultimately fell just under, concluding their season with a 30-22 loss.

“I really wanted to make sure that I put 100% effort in because it was my last senior game, it was a very emotional night for me,” Bell ‘26 said. “I’m very grateful for all the parents and all the support that came out to support my last game.”

The Tigers won the opening tip, but Westwood quickly settled in defensively. Athena Skevofilax ‘26 helped initiate the Warriors early offense, moving the ball to Theresa Bell as the team worked to communicate against the Tigers. Hayden Espinoza ‘26 sent a clean pass cross-court in transition to her teammate, this quick ball movement and strong defense helped the Warriors stay focused. On the other end, the Tigers attempted to score but were met with illegal defensive pressure by the Warriors, therefore earning them the first scoring opportunity of the game. Because of this, the Tigers took an early lead 1-0.

“We want to work on our offense and attacking more because that is what we want to work on.” Hapka ‘26 said. 

Midway through the first quarter, Espinoza snatched the ball and finished at the basket, putting Westwood ahead 2-1, and giving them their first basket of the game. The Warriors continued to rotate the ball between Espinoza, Skevofilax, Theresa Bell and Lola Proano ‘26, looking for clean shots. Despite missed free throws and turnovers from both sides, Westwood maintained control for much of the quarter. 

“During the first quarter a lot of our shots were not following and I think that we were able to stay in the game because of our defense,” Theresa Bell said.

As the clock wound down in the first, both teams battled through fouls and violations. Defensive communication remained strong for Westwood, with players like Evelyn Bell ‘28 and Iman Xu ‘28 stepping in to score. By the end of the first quarter, the Warriors held a narrow 4-3 lead. 

“We were staying composed and trying to push the easy buckets, so we could get our head in the game.” Hapka said. 

The Tigers opened the second quarter with a quick basket, but Theresa Bell responded by stealing the ball and pushing it up the floor. Espinoza added a key bucket to keep the score tight. But the Tigers briefly pulled ahead 8-6. From there the Tigers took over the free throw opportunities to pull ahead.

“I was motivated to win and put in more effort because at that point we were losing.” Espinoza ‘26 said.

Midway through the quarter, Theresa Bell and Espinoza communicated to try and score. Westwood stayed aggressive with Skevofilax adding a two-pointer late in the quarter, keeping the game within reach. After a back and forth stretch filled with defensive stops and missed free throws on both sides, the score remained close heading into halftime 9-7.

“During halftime we talked about adjusting our defense, taking care of the ball, and overall just communicating more.” Espinoza ‘26 said. 

Coming out of half time, Westwood came out determined. Emily Fry ‘28 knocked down a three- pointer early in the third quarter, giving the Warriors momentum and putting the score at 11-9. Defense increased as Fry blocked the Tigers from passing. Despite strong efforts, the Tigers continued to fight back, tying the game at 11-11 midway through the quarter. 

“Emotions on the court were definitely high because it was my last game but we wanted to push through to hopefully do well.” Theresa Bell said. 

Proano ‘26 delivered a crucial three-pointer to regain the lead for Westwood, pushing the score to 13-11 and giving the Warriors the lead. The Warriors worked together on defense, but the Tigers responded with a few baskets and free throws. Theresa Bell later connected on a shot to give the Warriors a 15-13 advantage. The Warriors missed free throw opportunities allowed the Tigers to get ahead 16-15 late in the quarter. Theresa Bell changed the score with a point from the free throw line, tying the game at 16-16. However, the Tigers followed this by closing the third quarter with another free throw, ending the quarter in the lead 18-16.

“During the fourth quarter we were all getting emotional because this was the quarter of a game we were ever going to play.” Hapka said.

Entering the fourth quarter 18-16, the Warriors knew it would take one final push. The Tigers opened with a basket leading 20-16. Evelyn Bell handled the cross-court where she then passed to Theresa Bell who finished to bring the Warriors right behind the tigers at 20-18. Despite the strong defense from the Warriors, Stoney Point continued to convert key shots, staying ahead 25-19.

“We were more aggressive and went up strong to get the fouls in order to even out the score more.” Hapka said.

Evelyn Bell and Fry kept the Warriors right behind the Tigers but missed layups and turnovers cost the Warriors in the final minutes of the game, allowing the Tigers to extend their lead 28-22. With under two minutes remaining, the Warriors continued to fight, applying defense pressure and moving the ball quickly up the court.

“When we were falling behind our defense was what really helped us, we all put in the extra effort to communicate more,” Theresa Bell said.

As the final seconds ticked off the clock, the Tigers secured possession of the ball and ended the game at 30-22. Though the Warriors fell short in their final game, their communication, defensive effort and determination remained high throughout all four quarters. For the Seniors, the game marked the closing chapter of high school basketball on their home court, leaving behind the best moments in high school.