Senior Victoria Aguayo, who finished the game with 24 points, led the Pebble Hills Spartans to a 68-50 win against the Bel Air Highlanders to open the season with a huge statement on the road.

Aguayo also set the tempo defensively as head coach Steven Lee placed a press on Bel Air right from the start. Early mistakes from the Highlanders helped Pebble Hills jump to a 10-4 lead early in the first quarter and the Spartans never looked back. 

“We did really good as a team,” Aguayo said. “Our goal is to win district and get further than we ever have in our program.”

High goals and a talented group, Aguayo mentioned that conditioning drills in practice have helped create their run-and-gun style of play as Lee runs them throughout practice.

The new addition, freshman Jordan Sapien, had a big game to start her high school career as she scored 13 points and had a team-high six steals.

“The love I have for this sport is unexplainable, so to be on varsity as a freshman and to step on the court was a memory I will never forget,” Sapien said. “It was very memorable especially with the bonds I have created this year with all the upperclassmen. 

Teammates acknowledge the talent Sapien brings to the starting lineup as she makes the team better. 

“We don’t usually have many freshmen on varsity, she’s a rare one,” Aguayo said. “Her IQ in basketball is really good. She may be small, but she looks down the court, passes good, and is a great teammate.” 

Senior Katelyn Calderon, who was a part of the varsity squad that made it all the way to Regionals, feels confident in her team.

“Being part of the last playoff run, I got to see plenty of amazing players,” Calderon said. “My sophomore year was definitely the best, we had good chemistry. Junior year we had the talent, but not the chemistry, so we failed to keep a team together. This year we are small, but we have the chemistry and speed to compete with anyone.” 

Pebble Hills is back in action for their home opener as they welcome the Hanks Knights Tuesday night, Nov. 9 at 7:30, in the main gym.

“The Knights have generally been a great team all-around,” Calderon said. “I am very excited for this season and we will see how it goes.”