UPDATE: In a thrilling matchup on December 19, 2023, Benicia High School’s girls’ basketball team dominated the second half to secure a decisive 58-39 victory over Vacaville High. This win propels the Panthers to a record of 8-2 just before the holiday break, demonstrating their impressive form as they head into the new year.
The game kicked off with Vacaville showing promise, briefly taking a lead before Benicia turned the tide. By halftime, the Panthers held a narrow advantage of 24-16, but it was their explosive start to the second half that truly marked the turning point. Benicia scored 11 of the first 13 points, quickly expanding their lead.
Sophomore guard Ella Lum was the standout player, scoring a game-high 25 points, with 14 of those coming in the second half. “I think the difference there (in the third quarter) was energy,” Lum stated after the game. “I think our defense got better. We got a lot of steals off our press, and we were attacking better.”
Despite the loss, Vacaville’s Charlie Cook delivered a commendable performance, racking up 24 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Cook was particularly effective at the free-throw line, going 10-for-11, but her efforts were not enough to overcome Benicia’s defensive pressure.
Benicia coach Corey Ott noted the team’s defensive adjustments as key to their success. “(Vacaville) shot 27 free throws. That was a point of emphasis in the second half as we went to straight man-to-man defense and emphasized that they move their feet and take proper angles,” he explained. This tactical shift allowed the Panthers to effectively shut down Vacaville’s scoring opportunities.
The game was closely contested in the first half, with Vacaville keeping pace until Benicia’s defense clamped down, holding them to zero field goals in the second quarter. Instead, Vacaville managed to stay competitive by capitalizing on free throws, making 7-of-10 from the line during that period.
As the game progressed, Benicia’s confidence grew, culminating in a commanding lead of 46-27 by the start of the fourth quarter. Senior Sierra Patz contributed 8 points to the Panthers’ total, showcasing the depth of their roster.
This game was Benicia’s final contest of the year, as they prepare for a challenging Diablo Athletic League matchup against Northgate on January 6, 2024. Coach Ott emphasized the importance of maintaining their momentum, stating, “We are not doing that this year. We told the girls, ‘We are going to grind you. It’s not going to be fun.’”
Vacaville, now sitting at 1-9, has one more chance to improve their record as they face West Park on December 22, 2023. They will then kick off their Monticello Empire League play against rival Will C. Wood on January 9, 2024.
As the holiday season approaches, the excitement surrounding local high school basketball continues to build, with fans eager to see how both teams will perform in their upcoming matches. Benicia’s strong finish to the year sets the stage for a competitive league season ahead.
