[dropcap size=”4″]I[/dropcap]t was a close game for the girls’ basketball team Jan. 7 against the Nixa Eagles. All quarters featured an intense fight to secure a victory, as well as constant back-and-forth scoring. Spectators couldn’t turn away, and tensions ran high. 
In the end, however, RBHS emerged victorious with a final score of 49-45, continuing their streak of success. Senior forward Madison Treece, one of the key scorers in yesterday’s game, believes the team’s strong cooperation led to their win.
“I thought [our game] was pretty [good]. We had some lapses in defense that Nixa made us pay for but it was a good learning experience,” Treece said. “[We] shared the ball well. We had quite a few assists, and I’m happy with that.
Teamwork, however, wasn’t the only thing going in the Lady Bruins’ favor. Junior guard Payton McCallister also attributes their strong foundation as the reason why they pulled through in the fourth quarter, after Nixa led 38-37 in the third.
“We were able to stay strong in the end, and we were able to keep our lead throughout the game,” McCallister said, “even when they challenged the plays that we were doing.”
It was apparent that even under pressure, RBHS was able to focus on their goal. Coach Jill Nagel was proud of her team’s level-headedness and skill, which outweighed the lack of tips and deflections which they normally rely on.
“I was very pleased with our composure down the stretch,” Nagel said. “[It] felt like we were always in control and got the stops we needed as well.”
When it came to their defense, McCallister admitted it could’ve been stronger.
“We came out a little slow in the third quarter, but we picked it up in the end and were able to finish strong,” McCallister said. “Individually, I was in foul trouble for most of the game, [and] as a team we struggled to box out and transition like we normally do.”
All in all, it was a enjoyable yet stressful victory for the Lady Bruins. Nagel, especially, enjoyed it because of the presence of the pep band.
“[I] appreciate the students’ support and the addition of the pep band was great,” Nagel said. “[I] look forward to having everyone back in February at our next home game.”
What are your thoughts on yesterday’s win? Leave a comment below and let us know.