Gallery • 11 Photos

Serena Li

Seniors Cody Robinson, Lauren Burns, Hailey Brown, Indiana Pak and Ava Gusman pose for a pregame photo before senior night activities. The team managers, coaches and parents help set up decorations in the gym.

Varsity girls basketball honored their five seniors at their last home game of the season.

On Thursday, Nov. 20, the Lady Cardinals dominated Austin High School. Senior guard Lauren Burns came out hot with seven consecutive points to lead the Cardinals to an early 16-2 lead.

“Staying focused on my game is what works for me offensively,” Burns said. “When I’m playing basketball I’m not thinking about anything else but basketball. The sport is 70% mental, and when I keep my head straight and my mindset dialed, I play with confidence.”

Bellaire had all the momentum at the end of the first quarter with a large lead of 21-5.

“The most crucial thing was making sure we ran the press correctly,” senior point guard Indiana Pak said. “That’s what caused them to turn the ball over and allowed us to score the most points the entire game.”

The Cardinals continued to find ways to score. Senior guard Cody Robinson and sophomore shooting guard Kira Vayner had critical three pointers to begin and end the second quarter. Bellaire’s defensive pressure and offensive threat forced an Austin timeout at 34-16.

“Coach Patrick just kept reminding us about our spots in the press,” Pak said. “He kept pushing for us to familiarize ourselves with the play, considering we were playing a weaker team.”

Burns continued her assertive performance, finishing the half with 19 points, while Pak led the team in assists. Bellaire led 45-16 going into halftime.

“The team’s focus was to sharpen our skills and prepare us for the district games,” sophomore guard Jenna Dorsey said. “The goal is to win the district again.”

Coming into the third quarter, the seniors were able to share the court together. Seniors Cody Robinson, Hailey Brown and Lauren Burns came up with big plays to further increase the lead, ending the third quarter 65-20.

“I feel as though we have a great group this year, and we can make it far if our hearts are all in it,” Burns said. “We’re primarily focused on just staying disciplined this preseason.

Bellaire continued to display their strength in offense. Pak ended the game with a full court assist to junior forward Marley Edwards ending the game 78-32.

“My mindset has been the same since I was a freshman, which was to always lead off and on the court,” Pak said. “Since I’m a senior now, I am in a better position to lead and communicate with my teammates.”

The Cardinals advance to a 7-2 overall record. They will face Brenham High School Nov. 24 at noon at Bellaire High School.