By Bryce Becker
In an exhausting battle, varsity men’s basketball was defeated by Taft Woodland Hills High School from California, 78-69 during a close game in Southern California on Saturday, Jan. 13. Although varsity girls put up a tough fight, they lost to Village Christian High School 49-45.
“For out of state games it makes it harder having to travel and play a game. So to prepare I listen to calm music to relax and keep my head in the game so to speak. To win future games we need to play more like a team, like a brotherhood,” Maxwell Howard, sophomore, said.
During the first half of the men’s game, the Cougars played with determination, but Taft took the lead throughout and started the second half five points ahead. The men tried to comeback, but were not able to stop Taft from scoring another 38 points. This loss showed areas which needed to be improved.
“I felt we prepared well. We worked hard in practice but just couldn’t translate it to the game,” Justin Dugan, senior, said
The girls’ game began quickly with Village Christian taking the first quarter, but not far behind, the Cougars trailed by 5. In the second half of the game, the Cougars scored 24 points, Christian only getting 21.
“It definitely could’ve gone better, as we were only a few points behind. To improve for future games we definitely need to come out stronger in the first half to secure the win,” Haley Morton, junior, said
While in California, students had the opportunity to walk the Santa Monica pier and enjoy dinner at the Citywalk in Universal Studios. For some team bonding, both teams and the cheerleaders had their first ever athletics talent show.
“My favorite part of the tournament was the talent show, with all the teams. I can look forward to more trips of having fun and being with friends,” Taylor Roylance, senior, said.
The varsity women’s next home game is Friday, Jan. 19 against Foothill at 5 p.m. in the gym, and the men will play Foothill that night at 6:30.
“The tournament was so much fun, and getting to cheer with my team makes it even better. The basketball teams are full of really great people, and they’re all so fun to be around,” Kaeli Bauman, junior, said.
