The Wildcats played the Magruder Colonels in a well-fought match on Tuesday, Jan. 30. With a bit of back and forth after the first whistle, the Wildcats gained momentum and beat the Colonels 47-25.

Within the first few minutes of play, the Wildcats were still trying to find their flow. Shots were taken, but none sunk until freshman starter Mira Mann hit a three-pointer, claiming the first basket for the team.

“The team really came together and communicated better, making our bond on the court stronger, helping us play better,” sophomore Norah Youssef said.

With less than two minutes left in the first quarter, the Wildcats led 16-2. The Cats were still shooting and making their baskets, helping their momentum and confidence into the second quarter.

During the second quarter, the drive continued, even with multiple substitutions. Halfway through the quarter, the Cats still held a strong lead. At halftime the score was 23-11, setting them up for success in the third quarter.

Even though the Wildcats were holding their lead, they had sloppy moments. Additionally, players felt they could be defensively tighter.

“We played down to their level and we should’ve been able to stop more of their baskets,” Mann said.

Heading into the third quarter, a different lineup was set. The Wildcats were starting to change out a lot of their players and able to keep their energy up with fresh legs.

At the end of the quarter, the Colonels were assessed a technical foul leading Youssef to take two free shots. Youssef made one of two shots to put the score at 41-16, giving the Cats a confidence boost.

The fourth quarter had little change and surprises, but the Wildcats still held their enthusiasm of being on the court and in the lead. The rest of the quarter had many subs, yet little baskets to end the game.

“I think we could’ve kept our composure and didn’t try to rush the ball as much because it could’ve given us more points in the end,” junior Kendall Alexander said.

The Wildcats’ next game is a home rematch against the B-CC Barons (14-1) on Friday, Feb. 2 at 3:45 p.m. The Wildcats enter the game with a 10-4 record and high confidence.