On the night of Jan. 14, the Buena Bulldogs varsity girls basketball team took to the court to face off against their crosstown rival, the Ventura Cougars, in a heated game. Ultimately, the Cougars secured the win against the Bulldogs, with a final score of 44-52. Both teams throughout the game showed their determination to win.
“It was two really good teams and a heavy weight… someone’s going to win and someones going to lose,” varsity coach Michael Gianelli said.
The opening 30 seconds of the first quarter started off with number 23 on Ventura sinking in a shot. The Bulldogs struggled to pass the ball against the Cougars’ hard press, but number three and senior Mimi Moon’s resilience shone through as she scored through two defenders, earning a free throw and converting it.
Following this, number 24 and junior Karisma Lewis shot a stellar three-pointer, the crowd erupting in cheers as Moon came up and sunk in yet another three. Keeping the score close, the first quarter ended with Buena in the lead, 17-14.
The second quarter Ventura came in strong with the Cougars scoring quickly within the first minute. After stealing the ball, they made back-to-back baskets. Moon responded, once again faking out her defender and scoring from the top. Number 30 and sophomore Alynah Leon, along with Moon both sank crucial points into the net to keep the Bulldogs in the game.
Despite a tough foul on Lewis which gave the Cougars a free throw opportunity, they fought hard. Moon earned fouls as well, earning two free throws but only making one. The back to back free throws ended the quarter with the Bulldogs down by one, 28-29.
“Halftime we were trying to make some adjustments, and we did that, but [Ventura] also made adjustments too and it just turned out to be the better end of it,” Gianelli said.
In the third quarter, the momentum switched back and forth between the teams, each earning points. Lewis tied the game 31-31 when she shot and scored from the side of the court. Not done yet, Lewis scored yet another three-pointer, giving the Bulldogs the lead, 34-31.
The Cougars countered, taking advantage of the foul calls to regain the lead. Lewis and Moon kept up their competitive spirit with key steals and points, but Ventura closed out the third quarter with the lead, 42-38.
The final quarter began off with the Bulldogs getting two fouls against them, giving the Cougars two free throws. Lewis took a hard foul, requiring a timeout to be taken, but then returned to sink two critical free throws. Once again Moon followed sinking in two earned free throws as well.
Despite Buenas’ effort, the Cougars maintained their lead with their consistent free throws. As the time on the clock came down, Ventura held the ball to seal their victory against the Bulldogs, 52-44.
“ [This being our first loss], we just have to win out now; we have to stay locked in and keep winning,” Lewis said.
