By Jeremy McDonald
Jeremymcdonald73@gmail.com
SALEM, Ore.– The Jefferson Girls Basketball team game out aggressive and passionate following their defeat to Sutherlin on Friday.
They jumped out to a 22-5 lead midway through the second quarter and stayed strong through Blanchet’s rallies mentally and physically to keep the Cavaliers at bay.
The Lions had uniformed scoring from Aliya Saad, Aziza Saad and Genevieve Orton, the three each having 12 points apiece in what would become a 57-43 win to open PacWest Conference play.
“I mean we didn’t expect to play like that. So we really just realized we can’t joke around, mess around, we need to take it seriously. We all have to pitch in like we did against Banks and I think we did show that today that we’re coming into league ready to play,” said Orton. “Good shots on Blanchet’s side, but we definitely kept our offensive this game. Way better than we did against Sutherlin and we stayed more composed than we did, we working together as a team.”
For Blanchet, coming into the game 3-1, just that steady improvement throughout the game was a good sign to see points Head Coach Danielle Wise. Despite the slow start to the game, they had clawed back and trailed Jefferson by 11 with 2:05 left in the third quarter. They took advantage of slight moments in the game where the Lions had made a mistake with a turnover or missed shot and converted it into points on the other side of the court.
They held Jefferson true to their gameplan to beat them as the Lions couldn’t push their lead beyond 15 or so points down the stretch.
“Jefferson came out really strong and we got down, but the game continued, we fought back and really improved. Our girls are still learning to play together and hopefully that sets the predencent and shows us what we need to work on,” said Wise. “Celebrating the things that we did right, the helpside on defense, passing the ball to the post. As far as our post goes, hitting their shots down low. Those things, celebrating what we did right and then taking those little lessons that we need from the things we need to get better on.”
The Cavs were led by Elle Gerig with 11 points as they head to play Dayton on Thursday. Jefferson will host Santiam Christian on Friday.
Photos By Jeremy McDonald
