Spirits were high as excitement rang through the walls with every dribble of the basketball on December 10th. This night marks a monumental moment for this year’s basketball players. Both of our teams relished in the feeling of their first victories of the 2024-2025 season against the Paladins of Mason Classical Academy.
Thrilling win for the Lady Rays!
Excitement filled the air as the Varsity Girls’ basketball team put their all into a dominant matchup against Mason Classical Academy’s Paladins. The Lady Rays dribbled, passed, and shot all the way to their long-awaited, first victory of the year.
The outcome of this game was a sharp contrast from previous results of games this season. Although they are struggling with a short roster this year, the Lady Rays put on a brave front, and dominated through the game.
Our Lady Rays ended this matchup with an outstanding score of 40-4. Fans knew it was going to be a good game from the beginning when our girls were up 2-0 in the first minute of the game. Basket after basket, it looked as though they weren’t even breaking a sweat.
Senior Brianna McGowan, could consistently be seen tossing the ball into the hoop, getting more points for the Rays. Freshmen Riley High and Aubrey Webber, charged and got the ball back for our Rays on defense, which heavily contributed to this win. After a tough tumble, freshman Kira Petit shook it off and got back into the game without faltering. Juniors Bianca Fernandes and Jenna Snover hustled up and down the court to ensure a happy ending for the game.
Our Lady Ray’s next at home appearance is today, December 12th, at 5:30 against the Seahawks of Community School Naples.
Rays Bring Home a Victory!
As the National Anthem came to an end, it was time for the boys to lock in and secure the win. Starting the game with a strong fight, there was hope in stealing the win from the Paladins. Within the first 45 seconds, junior Jordan Rodden, made the first basket, which led the Rays 2-0. The game was tense, as the boys were sprinting across the court, trying to find the perfect time to shoot.
Things weren’t looking good for the Rays at halftime. The score was 28-34 in the Paladins’ favor. After the halftime show, performed by MIA’s Varsity Cheer team, our boys warmed up with a new mindset.
An immersive and suspenseful second half captured fans’ attention, not wanting to look away in case a basket was scored. Free throw after free throw, the fouls were through the roof as both teams started to get more competitive.
Our Rays were starting to make a comeback after our players valiantly poured all of their energy out onto the court. Senior, Jacob Watt, ran with his track speed and efficiency, getting the ball down to the other side of the court, passing to his teammates, and securing many points.
Everybody in the stands were on the edge of their seats when the end was near. Junior, Veleon Nazarko, shot the last baskets of the night through free throws, after overcoming a minor arm injury to his shooting arm, Nazarko finalized the score board. As the buzzer sounded, the gym roared with exillerated fans. The final score was 69-56 in favor of our Manta Rays.
Our boys’ next matchup takes place today, December 12, at 5:30 against Marathon. We hope to see you there!
Go Rays!
