By Darina Huang ’23
Student Writer, Bearcat Sports Media

Girls Varsity Basketball built on their unprecedented success this season by defeating Deerfield 87-44, their highest scoring game thus far. They were familiar with the opponents, having played them on the road two weeks ago and already emerged victorious.  

Photos from Hudl Video

In a high-energy, foul-heavy game, the Bearcats led throughout but pulled further away as the game progressed. Maya Bateau ’24 opened scoring with a basket, and Angel Allen ’24 followed suit off a steal from Kaila Richards ’25. Co-captain Leanna Wells ’23 scored three 3-pointers in the first period alone. Richards intercepted passes and was unstoppable in speeding up and down the court on breakaways to score baskets. While facing pressure from Hotchkiss in transition, the visitors often lost control of the ball when they were forced to make long lobbed passes down the court. Morgan Jenkins ’25 scored numerous baskets in the second period with help from her teammates. Both sides saw back and forth action interrupted with frequent fouls and many points scored from free throws, ending the half 39-28.

Coach Kneeland said, “We didn't start out as sharply on defense as we did in the first meeting with Deerfield, and they showed a great deal of grit and toughness. We rededicated ourselves at halftime to playing with greater intensity, and I think that effort really showed in the 2nd half. Additionally, we worked hard to move the ball, and I was really impressed and proud of how the girls were looking for each other on offense.”

In the second half, co-captain Biz Watson ’23 played strong defense, intercepting Deerfield’s passes and connecting with co-captain Amber Bretz ’23 and Jenkins for more points. Hotchkiss maintained a comfortable 16 point lead at 54-38 to end the third period.

The fourth period was when the Bearcats played at their best on both ends of the ball, holding Deerfield to only 6 points in the entire period white scoring 33. In one possession, the Bearcats made 10 passes, resulting in Lexi Clark ’24 hitting a 3. Almost every player scored in the game.

This dominant 43-point win brings the team’s record to 12-1. As they look to build upon their successes in the remainder of the season, Coach Kneeland said, “We have a tough upcoming league schedule, but the way we've come together as a team and the work the players put in on a daily basis makes me very optimistic about the rest of the season.”