The boys basketball team defeated Avonworth on Friday, 56-28.

Sophomore Bryson Smolko said the Highlanders played well.

“We played hard defense and rebounded well. We also shot the ball well and got in transition for easy shots or layups,” Smolko said. 

Sophomore Sadiq Anderson said the team did well with their communication and movement, but found weaknesses in their shooting. 

“Our strengths were that we had great communication and good ball movement as a team, but our weaknesses were forcing and rushing shots,” Anderson said. 

Smolko stood out as a strong player, he said. 

“Bryson had a great game. He played great against the other team’s big guy and he did well on his layups,” Anderson said. 

Senior Max Marzina stood out as a team leader and got the team coordinated, Anderson said. 

Senior Taye O’Toole credited Marzina and Anderson for their scoring efforts.

“Max and Sadiq stood out. They both had over 10 points,” he said. “It’s good that we are getting more guys scoring.”

Anderson credits Avonworth’s playing speed, but said their weakness was in finishing. 

“Avonworth’s strength was playing fast and they had good defense, but their weakness was they couldn’t make their shots and had too many turnovers,” Anderson said.

Smolko said the game was more physical, but Baldwin was still able to compete.

“The team played well, and the game was competitive but also physical,” Smolko said. “We can play harder and more physically, so we can always match teams like that. We need to keep playing fast and at our pace, not theirs.”

O’Toole says the Highlanders can work on being more patient offensively. 

“We can work on getting better on offense, focusing on running our sets, and executing,” he said. 

The team looks to win all their home games, Smolko said.

“Our main goal is to win every home game, and we can do that. Our team took good looks and spread the ball well,” he said. 

Baldwin’s record is 3-1. Their next game is at 7 p.m. Friday at home against Trinity.