The Baldwin girls basketball team lost to Cathedral Prep 67-55 in the first round of state playoffs on Saturday, ending their season.
Cathedral Prep utilized their guards more than the Highlanders had anticipated.
“They did things we were not expecting. They had girls score more than they normally do,” junior Bella Niles said.
At the end of the first quarter, Baldwin was only down by six points. By halftime, though, they were down by 20.
Junior Laci Bernotas said Baldwin’s foul count was the cause of their downfall.
“Our coach had to start making some changes” because of the foul trouble, Bernotas said. “Everyone just ended with some type of foul.”
After Coach Jamal Woodson made some substitutions, the Highlanders came back and had a one-point lead during the third quarter. But Baldwin’s foul trouble continued, and Cathedral Prep took the lead again and held on to win.
While the loss ended their season, Niles said that the team’s success throughout the season really put Baldwin girls basketball on the map.
“We went farther than I think a lot of people expected by winning a playoff game and making the state playoffs. That definitely turned a lot of heads,” Niles said.
Bernotas said this season gave Baldwin the chance to prove themselves as a force to be reckoned with.
“Everyone looked at Baldwin as a team that should’ve been an easy (opponent),” Bernotas said. “We proved them wrong with big games against Canon-Mac, Peters Township, and even making it to playoffs and states.”
Niles said the team’s success was based off of lots of team chemistry and team bonding.
“We all have played with each other for so long and it is important to know your teammates and how they play,” Niles said.
The upperclassmen also played a big leadership role in the team’s success.
“Myself as a junior and the rest of the upperclassmen really focused on being leaders and making the team vibe positive and enjoyable,” Niles said.
