Girls basketball beats Lawndale in first game
On Wednesday, Jan. 10, students crowded into the arena of the North Gym to watch the first home game of the season for Samo’s 2018 girls varsity basketball team. After a close game, Samo beat Lawndale High School, 53-38.The first of many home games, the girls were eager to set off the season right. With many new-to-varsity players on the team, determination to beat Lawndale was in the air.Leading the team through this season is varsity veteran and second year captain, Carmen Doñate (’18). “We're super excited to start of the season, this game was super important to us as we really wanted to start the season off right, so it's super exciting that we won. Our ultimate goal is to win it all (CIF), but we’ll take it game by game. We all get along great because we're all so close on and off the court, and I think that's what makes us work well together,” Doñate said.Samo started the game aggressively, tying scores at the end of the first quarter, and ending the first half at a six point deficit. Recharged during halftime by the fervent cheers from the pep squad and crowds, the girls headed into the second half strong.Tensions ran high as Samo came into the lead in the last quarter by scoring 25 points. Friends and family alike were on the edge of the stands to see how it would end.Samo held its lead throughout the end of the game, ultimately winning. Screams went back and forth from teammates and fans. With cheers being shouted and the marching band blasting in the background, the home-court spirit was in full swing.And with teamwork and support, Samo made a monumental comeback in the last quarter. Going from 28 points to 53 in a matter of minutes. The crowd was mystified by how the players worked in such symbiosis. So in sync with each other and their goal. After an intense 90-minute game, Samo best Lawndale, 53-38. The girls brought home a victory and started their season off right. Winning by a 15 point difference, the 2018 girls varsity basketball teams seems to be inbounds for an great season.