On Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, Berkeley High School girls varsity basketball team took on the San Lorenzo High School Grizzlies in the Donahue Gym, where the Yellowjackets showcased their skills from start to finish.
BHS showed no shortage of team effort, despite their captain being absent due to injury. Their strong defense was relentless and set the tone for the entire game. The Jackets maintained a strong lead the whole night, ultimately resulting in a victory.
The Jackets’ aggressive defense often featured double-teaming the ball, which caused many turnovers in our favor. “Our defensive strategy was to press and to set traps to get the ball easier,” BHS junior Giselle Lopez said. The point guard played a key role on the court’s defensive end.
BHS junior Jae Marie Howard was a vital playmaker on the Jackets’ offense, constantly looking to find open teammates. She made crucial passes, which ultimately benefited the team’s offensive execution.
By halftime, the Jackets established a dominating 26-6 lead, thanks to their relentless defense and unselfish collaboration on offense. “I would say that my team worked pretty well together,” Lopez said, “Our offensive strategy was to pass the ball until someone got open and not to take the first open shot.” This patient approach allowed the Jackets to look for the best opportunities, rather than rushing bad shots.
Meanwhile, positive energy from the stands and the bench only added to their momentum. On the bench, teammates were vocal and supportive, celebrating each point and defensive stop. This strong team dynamic can be attributed to team huddles, discussions, and team bonding events off the court, according to Lopez.
Offensively, BHS continued to work as a unit, passing the ball and getting shots off. BHS junior Najuna Kiggundu executed multiple breakaways from defense and finished with two easy points each time. “We just came into the game wanting to win, and wanting to work together as a team,” Kiggundu said, capturing the mindset the team had before and throughout the game.
“We lost by one point on Wednesday, so we all wanted that win,” Kiggundu added, showing the team’s motivation to bounce back from a tough loss endured previously in the week against Antioch High School.
BHS sophomore Ellie Kim-Turnoff and BHS junior Dalasia McDonald were also key contributors to the Jackets’ offense, accumulating points throughout the second half of the game.
As the final buzzer sounded, the Jackets secured a 56-15 victory, with the Grizzlies never seeming to gain momentum, as the Jackets’ solid defensive game held them to only 15 points. “I feel like we can only get better from here,” Lopez said after the game, expressing the team’s confidence for the rest of the season.