Tensions were high as the Varsity Panthers strolled into Brentwood’s gym on Tuesday to face Viewpoint. The Panthers held their own against the Patriots for the first half of the game and had a decent lead by halftime. Executing a remarkably efficient full-court press, both the starting six and the bench players were quick and sneaky in their playing. After allowing the team to obtain a slight lead in the third quarter, the Panthers pulled out all the stops to secure the WIN, 49-39.

Lindsey Levesque and Jasmine Chen alternated for the position of point guard (eight points, five rebounds, and three steals combined), allowing Maia Barnett to play the center, score a whopping twenty-nine points and grab twenty rebounds. Senior Ciena Lennon also had a decent game, scoring eight points, taking away six rebounds and purloining the ball twice.

The outstanding effort from the bench players was truly remarkable. Freshman Iman Husain was only in the game for twenty-two seconds and she managed to snatch away two rebounds from the Patriots. Christian Luhnow also made an effective eight rebound and Marcela Riddick shut down the Patriots shooter with harsh defense. Sophomores Allie Simon and Emily Ward also made brave leaps; Simon scored a beautiful shot and Ward made a layup, four rebounds and two steals. Though the gym’s stands were close to empty, the players’ hearts were not, and their pride carried them back to Inglewood to face Venice High School on Wednesday.

Though the Panthers lost to the Gondoliers, Coach Lennon was very pleased with the team’s efforts, especially Maia Barnett’s ability to play several different positions and deal with having three defenders on her at once. Lindsay Levesque also made a huge leap ahead with her point guard skills, improving her passing, dodging and ball control. Coach Lennon was also very happy with the strength of several bench players who made impressive plays with their time on the court (including two baskets from Christian and Allie). All the players were able to bond over the past two games and Coach Lennon reckons that by next week they will be a very strong team.

Current Record: 2-1

Next game: Friday November 30, 4:00 at Inglewood High School