Drive down the court. Pass. And shoot.
Basketball season has officially begun, and the Varsity Lady Scots put up a tough fight against the Lincoln High Mustangs in their first scrimmage of the year.
Both teams played fairly conservatively throughout most of the first quarter. Minimal defense and lack of offense kept the scoreboard blank until Ashley Trierweiler, a junior, put the Scots ahead of the Mustangs 2-0.
Lincoln immediately went on the defensive, but the Scots were able to send the ball around the key to Caroline McLean, a senior, who shot a three-point basket.
“We had really good spacing and moved the ball around really well,” said McLean.
Carlmont soon allowed the Mustangs to catch up. Missed passes allowed wide open shots for Lincoln, putting them on the board behind the Scots 13-9.
“Some things to work on in our next game is handling the ball better. We had too many turnovers which gave Lincoln an advantage,” said Trierweiler.
Although the Scots ended the first quarter down three points, fouls by Lincoln players allowed them to catch up through free-throws.
As the first half progressed, the Scots failed to anticipate the Mustangs’ quick passes and steals, allowing them to drive the ball down an open court multiple times. Lincoln ended the half five points ahead of the Scots, 36-31.
“They were pretty quick on defense and quick at getting steals,” said McLean.
The Mustangs came out of halftime ready to keep fighting. An immediate lay-up set them even further ahead of the Scots, but Carlmont quickly responded with a three-point shot to show they were still in the game.
The Scots were able to take possession of the ball easily throughout much of the game. Keeping that possession and sending the ball through the hoop was where they fell short of the win.
“They were able to anticipate the passes really well which allowed them to get all of those fast breaks,” said sophomore Ava Bruckner-Kockel.
Carlmont was able to fight back thanks to their clean and fluid plays throughout the end of the third quarter and into the fourth; quick turnarounds and lay-ups shortened the distance between the Scots’ and Mustangs’ points bringing the score to 57-54, Lincoln leading.
Throughout the remainder of the quarter, the teams fought through aggressive defense and clean offense, each alternating turns in the lead.
Ultimately, the Mustangs were able to spread themselves across the court, allowing them to score four baskets in a row, thus winning the game, 69-61.
“I hope that we can have a lot more communication in the future. I see it a lot at practice, but transferring that onto the court is our next big step,” said sophomore Ava Bruckner-Kockel.
The Lady Scots face the Half Moon Bay Cougars in their next game on Nov. 18.
