By the time the third quarter came to a close, the outcome was no longer in question for the Blue Devils. The excitement and confidence from Westfield girls basketball was ever-present on the court throughout the entire game. Their positive attitude and hard play resulted in a 67-26 win against J.P. Stevens.
The first quarter marked the only time the Blue Devils and the Hawks were even close in score. Throughout the first quarter, Westfield held the Hawks to 13 points. For the next three quarters of the game, they only scored 13 more points combined.
Westfield was able to increase their scoring opportunities throughout the game because of their high level of communication. Senior tri-captain Megan Logan said, “We started the ball well, and we moved the ball well. We were all hustling on both ends of the court.”
Coming off a county final loss to New Providence, the Blue Devils have adopted the mindset that the state tournament is a “new season” to start fresh and reset. This was the first game of that “season,” with a strong start and an over-40-point win resulting from strategic passing, which led to opportunities to get open for shots.
Head coach Liz McKeon was very proud of the girls’ performance and said, “We have to keep winning if we want to keep playing. That’s what we’re going to use to propel us the rest of the tournament.”
Even with a slow start by Westfield after the first quarter, they were able to focus on their weaknesses and increase their chances of success. With that quarter opening the state tournament, it showed Westfield what they need to focus on for their future competition.
Junior Mairin Fowler said, “We will continue to keep working hard in practice, and practicing game situations. We are preparing and expecting to play like every game could be our last.”
The Blue Devils will look to continue their state run against Watchung Hills on Saturday at 12:00 p.m. at home.
