On Tuesday night, the Huntsman Center was packed as fans walked in and out of the building. The exhilarating energy filled up the court after Mountain View’s overtime win against Viewmont and that intensity remained throughout Highland’s quarter final game as they took on Salem Hills. The Lady Rams tasted victory with a score of 34-30.
With five seniors on Salem Hill’s starting line up compared to one starting senior on Highland’s team, the game was difficult to predict. Many wondered if Highland’s young team would be able to go up against experienced 18 year olds, but afterwards it was proven age does not affect skill set.
Freshman Sose Langi battled her way to the net, scoring the first two point field goal. Salem Hills demonstrated their aggressive way of play which resulted in two free throws. This cost them four points, giving an outcome score of 6-5 at the end of the first quarter.
When the second quarter hit, Highland started to outplay their opponent. They would make most of their free throws and three point shots while Salem Hills started to make many airballs. Highland students started to chant offense and defense as possession switched back and forth on the court.
At half time, Highland was still in the lead with a 10-7 score.
Junior Lei Makaui acquired many three point shots during the third and fourth quarters. She ended up being the game’s lead scorer with an overall sum of 13 points. Kaija Glasker was right behind her with 11 points and Sose Langi with 10 points.
Despite struggling with making layups due to unfamiliar, bright lighting, the Lady Rams played very well.
“We were pretty much dominant especially on the defensive end,” Junior Paige Cooper said. “We definitely should have won by more though.”
With four minutes remaining, Highland gave up a fowl when they were only up 27-26. This spooked Highland’s side, but after Salem Hills missed the free throws the Rams were luckily able to come back and recover 32-26.
The last few seconds of the game was thrilling to watch for both teams and their fans. Highland was winning the game 32-30 when Salem Hills took a breakaway push for triumph. Fortunately, freshman Carsyn Stephenson stole the ball away and drove the ball down the court in the opposite direction, leaving Highland with another well deserved success.
Come watch Highland play Mountain View in the semifinals on Thursday at 4:40 p.m. at the Huntsman Center.