Blair girls' basketball secures victory vs. Magruder

Bringing the ball up

Photo: Junior guard Natalie Frost brings the ball up the court in the Blazers' 30-28 win vs. Magruder.

Junior guard Natalie Frost brings the ball up the court in the Blazers' 30-28 win vs. Magruder. Photo courtesy of Gabe Marra-Perrault.

On Feb 3, the Blair girls basketball team (6-10) defeated the Magruder Colonels (6-9) in a suspense-filled game with a final score of 30-28. The game was a double header, with the Blair boys playing later that night. On top of that, it was also senior night for the track and field team. 

The Blair girls started out strong, gaining a four point lead on the Colonels within the first couple minutes of the game. Senior Guard Natalie Frost was a standout player this game, scoring the first two pointers of the night, dominating the court both offensively and defensively. 

The Blazers and Colonels clashed throughout the game, earning three jump balls just in the first quarter of the game. The Colonels eventually retaliated against Blair, and tied up the score to 6-6. The Blazers pushed back when sophomore forward Ainslie Curran scored a two pointer with two minutes left in the quarter. The quarter ended on a high note, with senior guard Maria Sawadogo scoring two points of her own, setting the score to 10-6 in favor of Blair. 

The second quarter began with an offensive attempt by Magruder that was quickly shut down by Blair’s defense. The Blazers scored yet another two pointer, accompanied by expert ball movement. The team matched their opponents’ intensity well, transitioning from playing offensively and defensively seamlessly. Magruder attempted to tie up the score making a slow advance against Blair, but before they could do so, the Blazers converted a mid-range jumper to end the half. After the first two quarters, the score sat at 15-11.

Huddle

Photo: The Blair girls regroup following a timeout.

The Blair girls regroup following a timeout. Photo courtesy of Gabe Marra-Perrault.

With the smell of popcorn and candy from the concession stand leaking into the gym, the second half began, spearheaded by senior guard Natalie Frost. A quick layup from the Colonels brought them within two points of the Blazers, who then drew a foul and converted one of two free throws, bringing the score to 16-13. After a nifty steal by Frost, the packed student stands were in high spirits. Sophomore forward Nigisti Asmerom grabbed a rebound and the ball found its way in the hands of Curran who drew a shooting foul and brought the score up once again to 17-13, Blair in the lead. 

Despite the excellent defense by Blair, the Colonels were able to score just their second three of their game bringing the score to 17-16. Another free throw by the Colonels with 3:48 left in the third quarter tied the score up at 17 a piece. This being the first time the Blazers did not have the lead all game, tensions were high among fans who packed the bleachers. Luckily, Frost cleared the air with a made free throw and a made three pointer, bringing the score to 21-17 with the Blazers in a good position going into the fourth and final quarter.

Reaching for a loose ball

Photo: Sophomore forward Ainslee Curran reaches for a loose ball.

Sophomore forward Ainslee Curran reaches for a loose ball. Photo courtesy of Gabe Marra-Perrault.

A mid range jumper from the right wing by Frost with six to go in the game evened out the score to 23-19 after a layup by Magruder, who then fouled out of frustration and gave Blair yet another point. Magruder quickly recovered and were able to put in a three pointer, which made it a one possession game.

Strong ball movement and rebounding by the Blazers allowed Asmerom and Frost to take the reins in the final minutes of the game, closing out with a final score of 30-28. 

Frost was clear that despite the win, the team could always do better. “I definitely could have finished more around the basket, but when the game came down to it I made some big shots. … I think we could have won by more,” she said after the game.

Head coach Jada Launi recognized that the hard work put in by the team at practice paid off on the court. “I think the team played well today, great defense and they were very patient on offense. Those are the things we have been practicing [on] so it was nice to see it reflect[ed] in the way they played tonight.”

The Blazer Girls will take on the Wootton Patriots (away) on 2/7. Tickets can be found here.