Masuk Free Press

The Masuk girls basketball team played a strong game last night, triumphing over the Jonathan Law Eagles with a score of 69-44, securing their eighth win of the season.

“I think going into this game we were pretty confident and we wanted to get that eighth win,” shared senior Emma Kearney.

The confidence on the court was clear when freshman Danielle Dube set the tone of the game with a layup in just the first few minutes. Throughout the first quarter the score was close, with baskets from Dube, senior Hannah Fagan, sophomore Grace Sheppard, and two free throw shots from sophomore Grace Kearney, making the score 15-11.

Going into the second quarter the girls started to improve their level of play and dominate with three pointer shots from junior Bailey Bajda, Kearney and senior Malenna Hornak. From the help of Dube and Bajda making a series of layups and an addition free throw shot from Bajda, the Panthers managed to overpower the eagles 29-17 at the end of the half.

Jonathan Law turned up the heat in the third quarter, but the Masuk Panthers held their own. The game started to become more fast-paced and aggressive with the players increasing their performance and strategies. Maintaining a strong lead throughout the quarter, the girls connected passes and weaved through the competition. Bajda scored three layups, and sophomore Charlotte Pinto made a three point shot followed by an assist to Fagan who completed the play with a layup. 

“We’ve been working hard on our layups and shooting in practice, and I think those efforts really were shown through today,” remarked Fagan.

Going into the fourth quarter, the girls stayed with their intense level of play by scoring multiple points throughout the quarter, with Bajda, a main force on the team, scoring a free throw, two layups, and a three pointer shot. The girls continued to block shots from the other team by staying aggressive while still scoring many points.

The Panthers were able to bring the score up even more from layups by Kearney, Dube, and Maddie Farrer; as well as two free throw points scored by Fagan. The girls finished off the game strong with a score of 69-44, significantly outsourcing Jonathan Law.

“In the second half we really started working hard and improving on rebounding. I think that the teams dedication definitely showed by the end of the game with us getting the win., Bajda commented.

Grace Kearney added that, “I think everyone was on today. We moved the ball really well, pushed it in transition making it a great win for the whole team. They had a couple of really athletic girls that we needed to box out, but by the end of the game everyone knew what to do.” 

The team is mostly made up of underclassmen with four out of the five starters being sophomores or freshmen. The talented young team has a bright future ahead for upcoming seasons with their ability to control the ball, make impressive shots and have great communication. Their next game will be a home game on Jan. 11 against the Pomperaug Panthers.