The Varsity Girls’ basketball team overcame a slow start to defeat a strong Hickory Grove team on Carter Court on Friday night. The Blues fell behind by as many as 11 in the second quarter, but never faltered in sticking to Head Coach Tyler Ortiz’s game plan as they slowly clawed back for an impressive 48-32 victory.
“We had a few specific goals coming into the game,” said Ortiz. “The biggest point of emphasis was on maintaining the physicality that we played with in our previous game while reducing our turnovers. Bringing consistent energy on defense and maintaining our composure on offense were the keys to the game. Despite falling behind by 11 in the 2nd quarter, we didn’t give up, we settled down on offense, and we ramped up the pressure on defense. The girls played as well as I’ve seen since I’ve been at Asheville School.”
Sasha Jones finished with 16 points, 13 rebounds, four steals, and three blocks for the evening, while Anne Johnson chipped in a bit of everything with eight points, seven rebounds, six assists, and eight steals.
“She was simply everywhere,” Ortiz said of Johnson. “She leaves her fingerprints on every single part of the game.”
After a few tough losses, Ortiz said the win could not have come at a better time for his team.
“It’s a huge win for our program,” he said. “I’m incredibly proud of their resolve and the fight they showed throughout the game. I’m so impressed that they were able to put this type of performance together to give the team momentum as we head into exams.”
The Blues will be in action again on Friday against Veritas Christian Academy.