February 2, 2024

3–4 minutes

Last night the Masuk girls basketball team played a home game against Bethel High School, with a final score of 55-49, after going to overtime at the end of the last quarter when they were tied at 46-46.

The game started off hot with lots of ball movement throughout the players, but Bethel managed to take the lead with 4-0. After a quick timeout Masuk found their groove with a three pointer from sophomore Charlotte Pinto, a layup from freshmen Dani Dube and a free throw from sophomore Bailey Bajda.

“In the first quarter we really needed to stay aggressive and work on our rebounding. We had really good ball movements and communication which definitely helped get us the win,” commented Bajda.

The girls continued with their quick passing and communication allowing a layup and free throw from sophomore Grace Kearney and a following shot from Bajda. At the end of the first quarter the girls were able to overcome Bethel 15-8.

Going into the second quarter, the girls fought hard, from rebounding to stealing the ball, but Bethel managed to bring the heat. After many shot attempts from the girls, Dube made a layup making the score at the end of the half 17-16.

During the third quarter both teams were able to level their play as the game became even more intense. After lots of movement off the ball from both teams, senior Hannah Fagan got two points from free throw shots.

After numerous passes between Dube and Bajda, Dube scored a two-point basket followed by a layup from Bajda. While having even more intense passing between the girls, Kearney hit her shoulder hard but managed to keep going.

“I really had to push through for my teammates. I know I always want to be there for them just like they’re there for me,” Kearney added. After this Bajda made a two-point shot and then another two points from her free-throw shots. This was then followed by Dube making a layup to bring the score at the end of the third quarter 27-28.

The fourth quarter was the most intense as both teams made impressive shots and good ball movement. The girls continued passing between the entire team, allowing Dube to have many free-throw shots, making four out of six.

Bethel managed to stay right with Masuk’s score, gaining many three-point shots and layups. Kearney and Bajda helped increase the Panthers’ score with layups, and then scored another two points from free-throw shots.

As the quarter started to end, Pinto made a three-pointer shot which made it possible for the girls to take the lead by two points. After more passing throughout the teams, Kearney scored another two points from her free throw shots. In the last minute, Bajda was able to make a three-pointer shot, but it was not enough as Bethel came right back with a final free throw, tying the score at the end of the fourth quarter 46-46.

In overtime, the girls continuously made good ball movements allowing Kearney to make a two-point shot followed by another two-point shot from Fagan. While the overtime clock was ending, Fagan held the fate of the girls’ win. While getting intense noise from the Bethel students she was able to make five out of six of her free-throw shots, making it possible for the team to get the win.

“You definitely hear it. You definitely like get butterflies in your stomach but at the end of the day it’s just repetition and that’s what makes it go in,” Fagan said. “The cheering from our side definitely helps take the weight off your shoulders. It’s great to not have it come from just one side and have your school spirit backing you up.”

The game ended with a final score of 55-49, beating Bethel after a hard game.

Hannah Fagan added, “We could not have done it without each other. I feel like our chemistry is really good. We all get along and that shows on the court in games like this.”

The Masuk girls basketball team record stands at 14-3 and their next game is Tuesday Feb. 6 against the Stratford Red Devils.