On Friday, Dec. 16, the girls’ varsity basketball team dominated in a victory against long-time rival Tamalpais High School (Tam) in a 58-24 final score, a deafening rebound from multiple losses to Tam in the 2021-2022 season. Though starting out slow, the Giants began to surge after a powerful three-pointer from captain Tatum McPeek in the second quarter.

With constant turnovers, including ones from travel and personal foul calls, there were almost zero points on the board by both teams for nearly half of the first quarter. Finishing with a score of 7-4, it was a close start for the Giants and the Red-Tailed Hawks. Aggressive rebounds from all players and impactful points made by freshman Kitty White hinted at the energy that would come later in the half. 

In turn, almost immediately into the second quarter, the Giants gained a steal from Tam’s possession and rushed down the court where McPeek made a three-pointer, ultimately shifting the energy of the game. 

“[The shot] definitely felt really good for me and put me [and the team] in a confident mindset,” McPeek said. “It brought energy and [my teammates] built off that energy.”

Redwood finished the first half by picking up a couple of points from free throws, and ended the quarter with a buzzer-beater three-pointer by White, extending their lead massively to 25-11.

Moving into the third quarter of the game, the Giants hit a short slump, unable to get anything going despite having opportunities after a couple of personal fouls committed by Tam. With more than six minutes to go, Redwood took a timeout to reassess, which ultimately paid off. After the short break, junior Rue Todd exploded with a huge shot from downtown, lighting up a growing Redwood student section. A few plays later, a put-back basket from White expanded their lead by five points. Throughout the rest of the third quarter, the Giants held off Tam with excellent defense, taking advantage of turnovers and multiple travel calls. With more points from White, McPeek and Todd, Redwood ended the third quarter with a score of 43-17. 

“I think [the shift in the game] was just energy plays – we really got our momentum and [that momentum] has been a progression through the season,” McPeek said. 

In the fourth quarter, after a two minute drought from the Giants and successful free throws by the Red-Tailed Hawks after a bonus on fouls, Redwood edged their lead forward with a layup from McPeek. Closing out the game, the Giants made several shots, thanks to seniors Reese Bennett, Maddie Sofnas and Emma Tanaka. Dominating the court with a final 34 point lead, Redwood successfully won their first game against Tam 58-34 this season. 

Ainsley Gallagher, one of Redwood’s point guards and sophomores, explained how the win will predict a successful season.

“It’s going to be fun and this is a hint at the future [of hopeful success],” Gallagher said. 

To see the girls’ varsity basketball season continue to take shape, check out the schedule for the rest of their games here.