Girls’ basketball defeated Brookline 50-31 last Wednesday, Jan. 29 at home, splashing threes and displaying dominance on defense throughout the game. “Everyone showed up when  we needed them to,” said senior Taylor Bailey, a captain with seniors Caroline Alexander and Adriana Reilly. “I think everyone put points on the board tonight,” she added. 

North started off strong, jumping out to a 12-2 lead in the first quarter. Bailey scored a few easy layups off of fastbreak opportunities due to careless turnovers by Brookline.

North extended their lead in the second quarter, with sophomore Thalia Shepard draining a three- pointer late in the half, along with a lay-in by sophomore Megan Carey. At the half, all of the momentum was on North’s side, and the team led 25-6. 

“Many of our players had great performances,” said head coach Maura Hamel. “Thalia Shepard played well, she definitely had a big game.”

 Brookline, however, regained momentum in the third with a 7 point run right out of the gate. The comeback was short-lived, however, as North quickly hit multiple threes to regain a 19 point lead. The third quarter went back and forth as North answered every Brookline basket with one of their own. At the end of the third, North led 38-21. 

Going into the fourth quarter, Bailey continued to score fastbreak points. A round of applause rumbled through the crowd as Bailey’s reverse layup left the fans in awe. North was all over Brookline in the last quarter, forcing many turnovers and shutting down Brookline’s offense.“Defense. We played great defense,” said Hamel. “We had played them once before, and knew what to expect, so we had defensive goals.”

Overall, many crucial factors lead to North’s commanding blowout, including teamwork, communication, and hustle, according to Bailey and Hamel. This win brings North to 11-3 this season.