Girls Varsity Basketball vs Costa Mesa

February 14, 2020

On Thursday, the Cate girls basketball team hosted the Costa Mesa Mustangs for the first round of the CIF-SS playoffs. The game started as a back and forth contest with the Rams and Mustangs exchanging baskets. Junior and senior guards Lily Zanze and Piper Brooks led Cate in this initial quarter with four points each, while Costa Mesa’s center Lorelie Hobis had 6 of the Mustangs’ 10 points. The Rams led after the first 8 minutes 12-10.

After junior Deb Brittain and senior Maya Blattberg made key adjustments to their post defense and our guards focused on applying more on-ball pressure, the Rams dominated the second quarter. Sophomore Meena Baher led the charge with 14 of her 28 total points in the quarter, while Baher, Brooks, and senior Maya Fenelon applied assertive traps to Costa Mesa’s guards. Our relentless attack of the Mustang’s interior players also got them into foul trouble. Subsequently, the Rams outscored the Mustangs 19-5 in the second quarter bringing the halftime score to 31-15. 

Rather than letting up in the third, the team defense of the Rams set a formidable tone to begin the quarter and never let up. The Mustangs were held scoreless in the third, while the Rams got critical offense from Baher, Zanze,  Blattberg, Fenelon, and sophomore Imani Oseso. Up 47-15 in the final quarter, the Rams fed off the incredible energy from the crowd combining for 15 points and holding the Mustangs’ starters to only 11 points. The final score was 62-26.  

The Rams set two team goals last night: first, to have fun, and two, to play for each other. I can’t think of two more appropriate ways to describe the game last night. Combined, the Rams played one of the most enjoyable games of basketball that I have ever been a part of. This was in large part due to the electricity of the crowd, but also because of the enthusiasm and excitement that each girl had for one another. They truly played for each other. 

Last night exemplified the very best of the Cate community! The way that our students and faculty cheered for each of our players was exhilarating. Thank you so much for the support! 

We are heading down to South Orange County to face a tough Capistrano Valley team. Game time is at 7 PM. 

Thank you so very much for the support!