By: Sofia R. ‘26

WESTWOOD— On Tuesday, February 3, Geffen Academy’s girls varsity basketball team played in a close-call game against Vistamar in the Bruins’ final Coastal League meeting of the season. The final score ended, 34-31, with the Bruins falling just short by three points in what was a chippy contest held at UCLA SAC Gym.

The Bruins put in a strong effort, which led to the close final score. Sophomore Rachel N. scored four 3-pointer shots, racking up 12 points for the team. Because freshman Madison Y. could not play due to injury, junior Makena D., a team manager, stepped in when the team was struggling. She scored a 3-pointer in the third quarter of the game, helping the Bruins’ claw back to neck and neck with Vistamar. 

Cheers especially resounded through the gymnasium when celebrated senior Morgan B. scored four points combined in both the first and third quarters, making the most of the final game of her high school career. She called it “her most fun game yet.” 

Though the Bruins came up short in the contest, it did not bring the team down:

“I didn’t expect it to be such a close game, and I feel like we all played really well together,” Morgan said. “I love any game where it’s actually fun, the coaches are happy, and everyone scores.”

The underclassmen on the team shared similar statements. When asked what their favorite game of the season was, Rachel enthusiastically repeated, “This one for sure!” in reference to Senior Night. “It was a really nice way to honor Morgan, and it shows how much effort she put in.” 

Freshman Noelle P. ‘29 agreed, celebrating the close game in comparison to previous ones: “Last time, they blew us out by 30,” said Noelle, in reference to their loss against Vistamar on January 8th. “I just feel like everyone played really hard and gave it their all.”

At a post-game dinner held at Poquito Mas, the team shared their favorite memories of playing both recently and from seasons past, while celebrating senior Morgan B’s four-year varsity career. The upperclassmen reminisced on shared memories from previous seasons and offered advice to the younger players.

“I’d say it can be a bit intimidating at first,” said Morgan in reference to being a freshman on the team. “I feel like coach Marshawn (Gordon) says this a lot, but even if you don’t feel confident, act confident because you don’t want to appear weak to the other teams.” 

Morgan also added the importance of trusting yourself and your team: “Trust everyone around you, and if you make mistakes, you know, it’s not the end of the world.”