Girls Basketball experienced a heartbreaking 62-32 loss to Morristown on Senior Night, Tuesday, Feb. 18, but bounced back three days later, beating Kearny 48-46 on Friday, Feb. 21.
Rampage covered the Morristown game, where, despite the loss, family members and teammates enjoyed a Senior Night celebration, featuring a mariachi band and balloons, to honor players Roanna Buan, Morgan Heller, Aliyah Lambo,Lindsey Bona, Kayla Brand, Kayla Pentz and Kate Sullivan.
“I was both emotional and excited to be stepping on the court with my best friends surrounding me when we have all grown up playing together,” said Pentz, reflecting on the ceremony.
The Randolph seniors also reflected on how valuable their time with the team has been.
“Randolph basketball has brought me some of my best friends over the years,” Brand said.
“We act like a family, and we all have a tight bond together,” Buan agreed.
Added Pentz, “Basketball has taught me some of my most valuable lessons and given me multiple opportunities to grow both on and off the court.”
As for the game itself, the Rams didn’t connect as well on the court as they had in previous games, resulting in a 14-4 lead for Morristown in the first quarter, which increased to 34-12 at the half. Despite their hard work on defense and gaining necessary points on offense in the second half, the Rams ultimately lost to the Colonials 62-32.
Still, key seniors continued to show strength as top scorers for the night; Pentz led the team with 10 points, and Brand was close behind with eight.
Although the seniors led the team in points scored, juniors such as Kayla Takacs and Maddie Gaynor also stood out, putting needed points on the board.
Despite the night’s loss, the team remains as tightly knit as ever and aims to head into the rest of the season strong.
The Rams play @ Bloomfield next, today, Saturday, Feb. 22.
