Blair girls’ varsity basketball takes down the John F. Kennedy Cavaliers in a strong victory

On Thursday, January 9th, the Blair girls’ varsity basketball team (6-2) put on a beautiful showing and beat the John. F. Kennedy (Kennedy) Cavaliers (3-4) in a 39-32 match. From the start of the game to the end, the Blazers took the lead, primarily through fast-paced offense and strong defense. 

Senior guard Lauren Mayn opened the scoring within seconds of the tipoff, slicing through the Cavaliers’ defense for a fast-break layup. The early basket energized the Blazers as they repeatedly forced turnovers with a strong offense. Kennedy responded by driving the ball inside the paint and drawing fouls from the Blazers, but the Cavaliers missed a string of free throws that could have helped them stay within reach. By the end of the first quarter, the Blazers held a comfortable 12-6 lead. 

Midway through the first half, Blair senior guard Abby Greenberg gave Blair another momentum boost by draining a well-timed three-pointer. The shot preserved Blair’s momentum when the Cavaliers appeared ready to shift the game’s tempo, with stronger offense and aggressive rebounding. Despite the Blazers missing a few close-range shot attempts, their alert defense and consistent passing carried them into the halftime with a 17-10 advantage. 

After the break, the Cavaliers came back even stronger, cutting into Blair’s lead with short jumpers and drawn fouls. However, under pressure, the Blazers remained calm, with senior center Emma Acquoi intercepting passes and converting quick layups to keep Kennedy at bay. Meanwhile, Mayn continued to direct the offense, distributing the ball in half-court sets to find open teammates around the arc. 

Kennedy threatened once again in the final stretch, but a late three-pointer from Greenberg and a crucial steal by Acquoi gave the Blazers the last-minute cushion they needed, sealing the win. 

Reflecting on the team’s focus, Acquoi acknowledged the importance of a strong start. “One of the most important moments for me was when the game started, and Lauren got a layup within seconds,” she explained. That quick spark, paired with Blair’s steady defense throughout, helped Blair withstand the Cavaliers’ late pushes -- and secure victory. 

The Blazers will take on the Wheaton Knights (away) on Friday, Jan. 10 at 5:30 p.m. Tickets can be found here.