The Girls JV B team started out the threeplay against rival Troy on a good note. In the first quarter, a disruptive press and a remarkable shooting display by guard Sophia Alexander (four 3’s, one lay up for 14 points) put the Lady Redhawks up 19 – 2, enroute to a 48 – 16 victory. Bree Rota summarized the win, “Our chemistry was good. We kept the ball moving, quick passes, good shots. Sophia had an amazing shot today (laughs), uh, obviously.” Emily Cousino noted, “It was a different environment with a lot more cheering… we tried to step it up a bit.” Regarding the Troy – Athens rivalry, Bree said, “I think it’s a great rivalry because it’s been going on for the longest time, like, when my mom was in school, they were rivals. It’s fun to look forward to those games.” Arianna Saracevic added, “I think it gives everyone an adrenaline rush, whether you’re playing or watching. I think it’s a fun experience. It can get very competitive.” Emily agreed, “It’s always fun and everyone enjoys it. It’s a great way to have fun and also compete.” Troy High didn’t give up and closed the gap in both the second and third quarters before Athens went on another run in the fourth quarter. Sophia finished with 26 points (six 3’s, 6 of 7 from the line; the only free throw she missed was when the boisterous Troy crowd changed things up by being quiet). Arianna followed with 13 points, Bree and Emily had 3 each, Carmen Cavataio 2, and Sarah Kesto 1. The Redhawks got a defensive spark by the return of Vivian Luo, Maryana Mansour, Noelle Apahidean, and Gia Leong. Mallory Colussi balanced out a strong defensive game with fellow guards Sophia, Bree, Carmen, and Gia. When asked to highlight a player, Bree said, “Mallory because she’s always hard working, no matter what. She puts in full effort in practice and games.” Arianna said, “I love everyone on our team. Charlotte (Riffe) and I have been best friends since kindergarten.” Emily explained some of the reasons for the team’s success on defense: “I think we have really aggressive people on our team, and we really want the ball, and that causes a lot of steals. And we have good help defense, too. I like how Bree always goes after the ball, even when it’s going out of bounds, and she always tries her hardest.” Arianna broke down the coaching points of the defense: “We try to stay in our defensive stance, try to protect the paint a lot. Follow the rules of defense: protect the paint, identify your player, pressure the basketball. I don’t think you could ask for a better outcome from a rivalry game.”