The girls’ varsity basketball team picked up a close 45-43 win against Drake’s Pirates on January 7, bringing their overall record to 12-1 and MCAL record to 3-0. Tam’s Amari Allison started off the game by winning the jump ball, putting Tam on the attack. However, Drake was the first to score, leading with a three-pointer in the first minute.

Tam came back, leading 14-11 by the end of the first quarter. In the second quarter, Tam scored 11 points to Drake’s 10, putting the score at 25-21.

The second half challenged Tam to hold onto their precious lead. Tam scored 11 points to Drake’s 12 in the third quarter, putting them neck and neck at 36-33.

Both teams played a fierce final quarter. With one minute left, Tam defended its 45-41 lead, playing with a nearly impenetrable defense. As the buzzer sounded, Drake launched a final shot, putting the score at 45-43. A solid two-pointer, but not enough to tie up the game. Tam was relieved to finish with the victory with a two point lead in the last quarter.

Junior Megan Lee led Tam scoring with 18 points, followed by junior Jaiana Harris with 15 points and senior Amari Allison with 4.

“Drake did a really good job of keeping in there with us, especially in the first half,” Lee said, “They’re a really good team, but I didn’t think the score was going to be that close.” Lee concluded that Tam’s performance in the second half secured the game. “I think we did a really good job remaining composed, even though the referee wasn’t at his best,” she said.

Harris expected the win, but nevertheless thought both teams played well. “[Winning] was harder than I thought it would be,” she said.