by Kevin McCaskill Jr.
1/31/23 * 2:48 PM
(WESTFIELD, MA) - The Baystate Academy/Paulo Freire Girl’s Basketball Team started their week in Westfield, to take on Westfield Tech. Westfield Tech beat Baystate Academy/Paulo Freire 35-34 earlier in the season, at the South End Community Center. Baystate/Paulo Freire wanted to even the season series and get another win to potentially qualify for the State Tournament. Baystate/Paulo Freire was 3-4 coming into the game, which is one more win than they had the entire season last year (2).
Baystate/Paulo Freire dominated the game from the start. They were quicker to the ball, whether it was getting to a rebound or to a loose ball off a turnover. They moved the ball well for most of game. Two or more players touched the ball on most possessions. Their full-court defense slowed Westfield Tech down to a halt. Westfield Tech had trouble getting the ball over half-court, especially in the first quarter.
In the second quarter, Westfield Tech started to play better defense. They picked up Baystate/Paulo Freire ball handlers closer to halfcourt, instead of in the paint which happened a lot on Monday. Westfield Tech got a lot opportunities in transition but couldn’t capitalize.
In the third quarter, Baystate/Paulo Freire defense tightened up. They only allowed Westfield Tech to score two points in the quarter.
In the fourth, the game was out of reach for Westfield Tech. Both teams put in their reserves to finish out the game.
Baystate/Paulo Friere won easily on Monday night 51-20.
Jayshalynn Oquendo scored a game-high 28 points. She missed some easy shots in the first quarter that could have given closer to 40 points. Nonetheless, she played a great game.
Melismar Matos scored 9 points Baystate/Paulo Friere; Samiyah Cabrera scored 8 points; Natalie Acevedo scored 6 points.
Caprice Allen and Mia Slack scored 5 points each for Westfield Tech.
The Baystate/Paulo Friere Girls have improved over the last month. They are quicker to the ball and they are getting more shots at the basket. They have a good chance to make the State Tournament this season, which would be a substantial turnaround in one season.