The Rainier High School girls basketball team emphasized an aggressive defense in off-season practices, and it paid off with a 60-13 beatdown of Forks on Dec. 2.
The Mountaineers forced 34 Spartans turnovers, including 23 steals, and held their opponent to below 15% field goal percentage. The Spartans failed to reach double digits in the scoring column until two minutes remaining in the third quarter.
“We always want to set the tone on defense. I was super pleased with how we came out with the aggressiveness and the intensity that we did,” Rainier head coach Brandon Eygabroad said. “I’m super pleased with our activity, our anticipation and how we played together and connected.”
The Mountaineers deployed a stingy full-court press throughout the game, and the Spartans struggled to cross halfcourt. When they did, the Mountaineers kept them out of the paint and forced tough shots. Rainier used multiple 15-0 runs to take a 30-5 halftime lead, holding Forks scoreless in the second quarter.
Bryn Beckman and Brooklynn Swenson led the way with 13 points apiece, and Angelica Askey added 9 points. The trio combined for 12 of the team’s 23 steals.
Eygabroad credited his team’s unselfishness, particularly in its transition offense, for the team’s dominant performance. He said he was proud of how his starters still gave 100% effort despite a 45-point lead in the fourth quarter.
“It’s the message we communicate every day. We play our game at our level, and we don’t play down to anybody,” Eygabroad said. “At that point, the game is well in hand, but we’re working on bettering ourselves and continuing to get better at every opportunity.”
The Mountaineers improved to 2-0 with the victory, and they also hosted Neah Bay on Tuesday, Dec. 5. Results were not available as of print time. Up next is their first road game at 7 p.m., Friday, Dec. 8 at Adna High School.
