After the Malden Tornados and Somerville Highlanders finished their pre-game warmups, the MHS Girls’ Basketball team lined up to cheer on their seniors, preparing for four quarters filled with fast-paced action that had their families and supporters strictly engaged the entire night. These supporters were a strong factor in keeping an energetic game as they celebrated every single point scored, regardless of the overall score. The game’s energy also came from the entertainment presented off the court.
The Malden High Band and Cheer team made sure to support the team and each other. As the players fully committed themselves on the court, the band played small snippets or “stingers” from popular songs like “Hot to Go” by Chappell Roan or main themes from popular film series like Mission Impossible or The Avengers. The cheerleaders matched this energy as they performed dances of their own. Sean Retotal, a senior band member who was also conducting during the basketball game, commented on the opportunity the band was given to support the team, saying, “It feels great because it feels like I’m contributing to the moral support of the team.”
Then came Nathan Morelli’s National Anthem performance, which he performed on his electric guitar.
This energy was immediately felt by the team as they had a strong first quarter. Throughout the quarter and game, the team kept driving the ball up the lane and drawing fouls, allowing them to get to the free-throw line. Although the team could not find success from the free throw line, Malden was able to space themselves out and create open shots. Senior Ina Tolete was a pushing factor for the team’s success from outside the paint. When the game was tied 11-11 as the first quarter reached its end, Tolete was able to find space from beyond the arc and sink a three-point shot, giving Malden the lead 13-11.
The second quarter was where Somerville began to put up a good fight. Their defense was aware of Malden’s comfort in driving up the lane and decided to shut it down. The first half ended with both teams tied 20-20. At halftime, the band tried to re-spark the energy in the gym with their performance of Cupid Shuffle, the perfect song leading into Valentine’s Day.
Unlike at the start of the game, Malden could not enter the half with the same success they had in the first half. Malden struggled to find open shots and continued to struggle from the free-throw line. After they lost the lead, Malden continuously fought to win it back. Unfortunately, Malden was unable to do so and lost 49-39.
Despite the unfortunate result, Coach Scott Marino and his three seniors were able to positively reflect on the game and learned how they could move forward: “I love my seniors, you’re only as good as your senior class,” commented Marino. “And my seniors gave everything they possibly have, so I’m proud of them.”
Tolete was able to move on from the loss and look forward to the state tournament/ “We’re getting closer to States. I think we need to work on defense. We worked a lot on our three-two, which is something we haven’t done before. So if we continue to work on that I think we can get a good run in the state tournament.”
Senior Amanda Lily Ebenezer also had some input for team improvements: “I think that we need to be less selfish and really slow down when we get the ball. I think if we just keep good composure and work equally as good on offense and defense, we can make tournaments, but we have to put in the work on and off the court.”
Despite the loss, it is clear that the team has reflected and is prepared for the state tournament.
