High-octane scoring served the Bainbridge Spartans well in a 65-34 blowout win over North Mason Feb. 8.
The Spartans, who are undefeated in the Olympic League at 13-0 and 16-4 overall, entered the matchup already clinching the conference title, the first time they have in 24 years.
“With my coaching, it’s like they’re [the Spartans] comfortable with each other,” Bainbridge coach Zach Burnham said. “They really like each other, and they haven’t liked each other in the past.”
Bainbridge got on the board fast, scoring on its opening possession with a three-pointer from senior Hannah Bounketh and establishing sound shot choice and a strong up-tempo offense early on.
Senior Bella Ramirez and sophomore Jordan Gardner were able to capitalize on fastbreaks throughout the first quarter, scoring four and six points respectively and giving the Spartans a 22-7 lead.
Ramirez led the way for the Spartans in the second period, accounting for six of their 14 points, and senior Elsa Drugge scored three. Bounketh and Gardner scored five points cumulatively from the free-throw line.
“Everyone has to chip in. Everyone has to do their part,” Ramirez said. “I mean, sometimes it does make it easier for other people to [get] open if there’s more attention on me, but no matter what, it’s kind of just playing what’s given to us.”
Turnovers began to plague the Spartans at the beginning of third quarter, but the first score of the half didn’t come until Spartan senior Sierra Berry got sent to the free-throw line, making one out of her two shots.
Ramirez was able to snap Bainbridge out of its turnover-prone ways, scoring on two consecutive possessions and regaining the momentum. Bainbridge established a 45-30 lead at the end of the third, with Ramirez scoring seven and sophomore Anna Rowe two.
The Spartans jumped out to a 9-0 run to begin the fourth quarter and built a 25-point lead with five minutes remaining in the game at 55-30, and they cruised from there.
Burnham said he’s hoping the community supports the team in the playoffs. “However it [the Olympic League] works out, I just want to make sure I prepare these girls,” Burnham said. “I want this home court. I want to pack this gym out.”
