After a 40-3 victory against Glades Day High School on Tuesday, Nov. 19, the girls basketball team continued their early winning streak with the first home game on Nov. 21. The Lady Jaguars pulled away with the lead early, keeping the opposing Forest Hill Falcons to 5 points at the half.
Band senior Summer Irwin and digital senior Brianna Dean both scored double-doubles, an achievement for reaching double digits in total points and rebounds; Irwin (17,18) and Dean (10,13). After the first quarter, the team had to continue without injured communication sophomore Kaitlyn Maldonado, who suffered a shoulder separation.
“The team has really had to step up and fill her place,” Irwin said. “We’ll adapt through practices and drills. All we can do is pray for her.”
Coming off of an earlier 45-28 win against Glades Day that Tuesday, the boys had a close loss. Starting with a lead in the first quarter, digital senior Tyson Jimerson said he accredits the atmosphere of the home crowd as motivation for the team.
“With the home crowd, with the cheer team, and just seeing everyone come out to support, means a lot. More than anything, it’s the excitement,” Jimerson said. “Whenever we get a chance to play here, we all want to do that much better.”
Although, according to Jimerson, being able to pack the bleachers with friends and family members of players may create the traditional home-court advantage, the support and cheer the Dreyfoos Basketball teams show to each other on the sidelines does not go unnoticed.
“As a commentator, being able to see the energy from the bleachers come into play is always special,” communications senior and DSOA Today broadcaster for the games Aidan Smith said. “Watching how excited the boys are when the girls score, vice versa, it becomes more than a love for the game, but a love for the Dreyfoos community.”
The Jaguars both host their next home games after Thanksgiving Break, Dec. 3. The girls will compete against the Santaluces Chiefs at 6:00 pm and the boys play against the Village Academy Tigers at 7:30 pm.