With an impressive performance against the Tacoma Titans, the Highline women’s basketball team prevailed 84-69, capping a season marked by more lows than peaks. The Thunderbirds, who are currently 2-14 on the season with a 1-4 conference record, saw a welcome uptick in performance after the victory.
Freshmen Thunderbirds Anaiya Lewis and Rahi-Mya Sumler demonstrated their scoring prowess before the game against Tacoma, averaging 9.2 and 8.2 points per game, respectively. Nevertheless, they outperformed everyone in the Tacoma game. Sumler showed off her dynamic abilities with 24 points, 5 rebounds, and an amazing 5 steals; while Lewis led the way with an incredible 29 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 assists.
A crucial element of the match that highlighted Highline’s supremacy was their remarkable 21 assists in addition to their ability to restrict turnovers to just 13. On the court, this synergy demonstrated the team’s cohesion and tactical execution.
As the Thunderbirds bid farewell to January with two more games on the horizon, they have their eyes set on building on this newfound momentum. The statistical leaders as of Jan. 26 reflect the team’s commitment and individual contributions. Jesselle Victo Castillo leads in minutes per game with an average of 34.8, while Anaiya Lewis tops the points per game chart at 10.8. Jesselle Victo Castillo also stands out in assists per game with an average of 4.0, emphasizing her playmaking role.
With an attendance of 61, the Thunderbirds demonstrated not only their prowess on the court but also the growing support from their community. As the season progresses, the Highline women’s basketball team endeavors to translate this victory into a catalyst for further success, facing the challenges ahead with unwavering determination and a newfound sense of possibility.
The Thunderbirds are preparing for Pierce, their upcoming opponent, on Wednesday, Feb. 7 at 5 p.m. The group hopes to keep up the positive energy from their most recent triumph and continue with their on-court atonement.