The Birmingham Patriots girls basketball proved that they’re the team to beat in the West Valley League, improving their in-league record to 4-0 with a 69-42 victory over the Granada Hills Highlanders. The win bumps the Patriots’ winning streak up to five games. The Highlanders’ 42 point offensive showing is an improvement from the two teams’ January 16 matchup, which Birmingham closed out 65-25. 

The matchup between the teams’ forwards was the fuel for the competition, with Birminghams’ Zoee Mitchell and Lili Martinez setting the tone defensively. The Highlanders struggled to drive to the rim, leaving their offensive possessions rushed as they scrambled to kick the ball out to reset the play. Granada Hills’ Akaya Williams gave the Patriots similar trouble, finishing with 4 rebounds and a steal from her efforts on the post. 

While the tight defensive competition kept the game close in the first quarter, Birmingham’s offense came to life in the second and the Patriots ran away with the game quickly. Birmingham’s Kamora Coleman thrived on the fast break, with 6 of her team-high 16 points coming from her own 3 steals. Camille Newton contributed 12 points, 2 rebounds, 2 steals, and a block from the bench, leading Birmingham’s second unit. The Patriots also found a way through the Highlander’s rim protection, playing through contact and getting themselves to the foul line. 

Although Granada Hills was outplayed offensively, Araceli Gonzalez contributed 4 offensive rebounds to give the Highlanders second chance scoring opportunities. Gonzalez came up with 12 points and a steal on top of her work on the glass. Though the Highlanders’ deficit grew, Alana Yeck came from the bench to ensure that the team’s energy never wavered. Yeck had 8 points and 4 rebounds, on top of a contagious hustle. 

The Highlanders look to put an end to their three game losing streak on January 29 with an in-league matchup against Taft. The Patriots will defend their undefeated status and chase a six-game win streak on the 29th against Chatsworth.