1/23/2025 8TH VS Heritage Middle School

North Falls to Heritage Middle School in Tough Battle
North traveled to Heritage Middle School last night to face a tough opponent, and despite their best efforts, the undefeated Broncos came out on top with a 46-21 victory. While the final score didn’t fully reflect the hustle and determination the Cougars brought to the game, they certainly made the Broncos work for it.
The first quarter saw both teams evenly matched, with a 6-6 tie at the end of the period. Aneesha Anand played some of her best defense of the season, using her speed to disrupt the Broncos' offense, while also contributing 4 points. Kate Kingsford added 2 points, and the Cougars were competitive through the early minutes.
However, the Broncos shifted to a 1-3-1 defense in the second quarter, which proved difficult to break. The Cougars were only able to score 7 points in the period, while the Broncos found their rhythm offensively, putting up 16 points. At halftime, the Broncos led 22-7. In the second half, the Cougars ran into some foul trouble, giving the Broncos more opportunities for free throws and additional shot attempts. Despite a strong push in the fourth quarter, where Taylor Mechsner, Madie Shelby, Aneesha Anand, and Kate Kingsford each contributed to the scoring effort, it wasn’t enough to overcome the Broncos’ momentum. Player of the Game: The honor was shared between two standout players, both leading the team in scoring with 8 points each. Aneesha Anand had her best performance of the season, showcasing impressive speed in transition and playing tight defense. Kate Kingsford, meanwhile, was involved in virtually every play, dominating the paint with her rebounding, shooting, and defensive work.
The Cougars now stand at 2-3 with one game remaining before heading into the District Tournament on January 31 and February 1.



B Team Powers to 38-20 Victory Over Broncos
The B Team secured an exciting 38-20 win against the Broncos, showcasing significant improvement and excellent teamwork throughout the game. The Cougars came out strong with a press defense that they executed flawlessly from the start. Offensively, they dominated, putting up 12 points in the first quarter. Sienna Petereit led the way with 4 points, while Tarusi Aphale, Laurel Storey, Finleigh Sanders, and Gaby Keating each added 2 points. When the Broncos settled into a 2-3 zone defense, the Cougars
made a quick adjustment to their offense. The team’s flexibility and ability to adapt were key to their success. They implemented some new plays and spent a lot of time on shooting drills, and it definitely paid off. Finleigh Sanders and Tarusi Aphale led the way defensively, each with 8 steals, while Gaby Keating contributed 6 steals and Harper Fiveash added 4. Player of the Game: The honor was shared by two players who each led the team in scoring with 8 points. Tarusi Aphale has been a game-changer, a consistent performer, and a natural leader on the floor. Sienna Petereit stepped up offensively, made smart decisions, and applied constant pressure on her defender, making her a key player in the win.
The Cougars are now 3-2, with one final home game left against West on Tuesday, January 28th.

C Team Shines in 15-9 Victory Over Broncos
What a thrilling game to watch this week! The C Team was on fire, pulling off a 15-9 win against the Broncos. Once again, the Broncos started in a 2-3 zone defense, but the Cougars quickly adjusted their offense. The girls were incredibly coachable and adapted well to the changes throughout the game.In the first quarter, Awa Ouedraogo, Anna Messemer, and Dany Pease each contributed 2 points, giving the Cougars an 8-2 lead. Pamela Brown also added a bucket in the second quarter. Defensively, the Cougars’ man-to-man defense was airtight, and they held the Broncos scoreless in the second quarter.The second half was intense, with the Broncos trying to gain some momentum, but the Cougars’ defense remained solid. Renata Lara Velasquez led the charge with 6 steals, followed by Ella Walther with 5 steals, and Dany Pease, Parmis Farzad, and Brinley Robinson each contributing 3 steals. In the fourth quarter, Heritage made a push to catch up, but the Cougars kept their composure, protecting the ball and playing smart. With the score at 12-9, Renata Lara Velasquez stepped up with a key free throw and followed it up with an elbow jumper to seal the win at 15-9.
Player of the Game: The honor was shared between two players who dominated on defense and stayed calm under pressure. Renata Lara Velasquez had her best game of the season, stepping up offensively, making smart decisions, and staying with her man on defense. Ella Walther led the team in scoring with 4 points, and her energy was a huge factor in the win.
The Cougars are now 4-1, with one home game left against West on Tuesday, January 28th.

1/23/2025 7TH VS Heritage Middle School
A TEAM:
Victory Starts Here!
The North Cougars A team started the evening with a commanding 35-20 victory over Colleyville Heritage Middle School. The Cougars quickly took control, jumping out to a 20-0 lead in the first half, which led them to call off their full-court press. The Broncos managed to score two quick buckets toward the end of the second quarter, making it 22-4 at halftime. Although Colleyville Heritage gained some momentum in the second half, the Cougars’ early dominance was too much to overcome, and they secured the win with a final score of 35-20.
Holiday Lora had a standout performance, contributing 9 points and playing a key role in the paint on both ends of the floor. Brylee Felix, known for her tenacious defense and leadership, was the team’s top stealer and showcased her unselfish play with 9 assists on the night. Mila Obidzinski made an impact off the bench in the second quarter, scoring a quick basket on a baseline cut and fearlessly taking on the Broncos’ tallest player, dominating the defensive matchup.
The Player of the Game award went to Kate McGrath, who excelled with her aggressive defense, quick steals, and high basketball IQ. Another Player of the Game was Emmy Anene, who tied as the team’s high scorer with 9 points and also made significant contributions in rebounds, steals, and assists.
B TEAM:
Undefeated B Team Keeps the Streak Alive!
The B team kept the momentum going with Angelica Bennet leading the charge, lighting up the scoreboard with two 3-pointers and a jump shot in the first quarter. Other North players contributing to the 12-12 tie were Valentina Sanchez and Sophia Petereit, each adding a basket. The Heritage Broncos faced a tough challenge in the second quarter as Bennet added another 7 points, with Sophia contributing a bucket to help North end the half up 21-10.
The second half saw consistent hustle from Anna Sarmiento, Kaylee Avila, and Natalie Campos, each helping to maintain a steady 6-point lead per quarter. The North Cougars finished strong with a 34-15 victory. Valentina Sanchez finished with 8 points and aggressive defense. Players of the Game are Anna Sarmiento or her relentless heart and hustle and Angelica Bennet, who led in scoring with 4 three pointers and a game high 18 points.
C TEAM:
The Consistent C Team Cougars!
Karis Wilkins set the tone at tip-off, and from there, the Cougars kept the pressure on the Heritage Broncos, adding 6-8 points each quarter. Maddie Beruman, Victoria Mota, Melany Castillo, and Sarah Morchower helped build a solid 12-4 lead by halftime. Fatima Coria and Olivia Moore brought their quickness to the court, causing havoc for the Broncos with several turnovers.
In the second half, dynamite Peyton Dougher turned up the intensity with her aggressive play, driving to the basket and earning two trips to the free-throw line. Sterling Cooke showcased her leadership from the forward position, jumping into the wing and making key plays. Anna Dinsmore, Charlotte Axelson and Sarah Morchower were all over the floor, creating chaos for the Heritage offense.
The game’s standout performers were Peyton Dougher, who finished with 5 points and set the tone with her fierce play, and Melany Castillo, who added 6 points and made crucial contributions throughout the game. In the end, the Cougars triumphed 23-10, showcasing their all-around team effort and dominance.