The girls’ basketball team at Davis High School has had an outstanding season, maintaining an undefeated record and dominating their opponents with an average winning margin of 22 points per game. However, their recent matchup against Mountain Ridge proved to be a formidable challenge, resulting in a narrow 56-53 victory for the Darts.
Kendra Kitchen, a standout player for the Darts, has had an exceptional season, making a significant impact on the court. Her impressive performance led her to achieve the milestone of scoring 1000 career points last month, and she has also been recognized as part of the 2022-23 6A first team.
Mountain Ridge employed a game plan to limit Kitchen’s impact on the game, focusing on keeping a defender glued to her while double-teaming the guards on the perimeter, making it difficult for Davis to maneuver through their defense. As a result, Davis only managed to score 20 points in the first half, with a mere four points in the second quarter.
However, the Darts found their momentum in the second half of the game. T’maea Eteuati, a sophomore player for Davis, stepped up and delivered a standout performance, scoring a season-high of 21 points. Eteuati’s contribution was crucial in leading the team to victory, showing resilience and adaptability in the face of a challenging opponent.
Davis made significant improvements in their ball handling and passing, leading to more open looks on the perimeter. Their efforts paid off, as they scored 23 points in the third quarter, with Eteuati sinking three 3-pointers. The team’s ability to break through Mountain Ridge’s defense and involve multiple teammates in scoring ultimately proved to be the turning point in the game.
Despite Mountain Ridge’s continued efforts to limit Kitchen’s scoring opportunities, the Darts’ resilience and teamwork allowed other players to step up and hit crucial shots. Head coach Anne Jones praised the team for handling the defensive pressure thrown at them and making necessary adjustments to secure the win.
Although Mountain Ridge made a late surge in the game, Davis maintained their composure and held on to their undefeated record with a final score of 56-53. Looking ahead, the Darts are determined to build on their success from last season and aim to secure their first girls’ basketball state championship since 1976.
Eteuati expressed the team’s strong desire to clinch the championship, highlighting their unity and dedication to their goal. With their exceptional teamwork and unwavering determination, the Davis High School girls basketball team is certainly a force to be reckoned with in the upcoming games.