The frigid air outside was a perfect contrast to the competition heating up inside Tigard tonight on Dec. 4. Spectators took their seats eagerly in anticipation for the first varsity girls basketball game of the season against Grant High School, who took a tough 79-34 loss tonight.

Mere seconds into the game, senior Emilee Cincotta scored the first basket. Not long after, more points were earned by freshman Kylie Warren, senior Faithe Wantland, and junior Kaylie Boshma. The Grant Generals put up their fight with free-throws, putting the end of the first quarter 21-2. As the players were switched up, senior Alexis Carter began the second quarter with a free-throw, and the rest was uphill for the Tigers from there. Although Grant was able to sneak in some shots, their points mostly game from free-throws in the last 15 seconds of the second quarter. By halftime, the score was 38-16, and none of the girls were slowing down.

The second half consisted of confidence from Tigard girls, and shot after shot to rack up the points. Many fouls later, after missed and made baskets, the end of the third quarter showed a score of 58-20. Still the teams pressed on, refusing to give up opportunities to pass and try to bring in more points. After countless instructions shouted by coaches, encouraging cheers from teammates, and endless attempts at overtaking the other team, Grant scored the last basket of the game with 5 seconds remaining. Although their endeavors were persistent, they could not beat the mighty Tigers. The final score of the game was 79-34, a powerful start to the basketball season for Tigard.

Coach Steve Naylor commented, “Our effort was a big positive the whole game. We didn’t pay much attention to the score, just played hard.”