Benicia High School’s girls basketball team showcased a remarkable performance on December 19, 2023, defeating the Vacaville Bulldogs with a score of 58-39. The matchup, held at Benicia’s home gym, featured a standout effort from sophomore guard Ella Lum, who led all scorers with 25 points. This victory marks another win in a strong season for the Panthers, who now hold an 8-2 record.
The first half was tightly contested, with the Panthers leading by only 24-16 at halftime. The Bulldogs, despite their struggles this season, fought hard, led by sophomore post Charlie Cook, who scored 24 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. Cook’s free-throw shooting was particularly impressive, finishing 10-for-11 from the line.
Benicia’s second half was marked by increased intensity, as the team quickly transformed a modest lead into a decisive advantage. They opened the third quarter with an impressive 11-2 run, significantly boosted by Lum’s energy and contributions. “I think the difference there was energy,” Lum said. “At the beginning, we came out flat, but our defense got better. We got a lot of steals off our press, and we were attacking better.”
The Panthers’ defensive strategy shifted in the second half, as coach Corey Ott emphasized a man-to-man defense to contain the Bulldogs. “I thought we were a little handy on defense,” Ott noted, referencing the 27 free throws the Bulldogs attempted. “In the second half, we focused on moving our feet and taking proper angles.”
As the game progressed, Benicia continued to extend their lead. Lum contributed significantly, scoring six of the team’s first 11 points in the third quarter. The Panthers maintained their momentum, pushing the score to 46-27 at the start of the fourth quarter, effectively putting the game out of reach for Vacaville.
Senior player Sierra Patz added eight points for the Panthers, while Ott praised Lum not only for her scoring but also for her ability to involve her teammates in the play. “Without her on the court, we wouldn’t have that point guard presence, and not as many touches would be there,” he remarked.
Looking ahead, the Panthers have a Diablo Athletic League matchup scheduled against Northgate on January 6, 2024. Ott is determined to prepare his team for the upcoming league challenges. “Last year, we went into league and kind of laid an egg after having a strong preseason. This year, we are working hard to ensure that doesn’t happen.”
For Vacaville, the Bulldogs are set to face West Park in their final game of 2023, followed by a Monticello Empire League opener against rival Will C. Wood on January 9, 2024.
In the junior varsity game that preceded the varsity match, Benicia also claimed victory with a final score of 33-20, having led 16-6 at halftime and 25-14 after three quarters. The performances by both teams highlighted the competitive spirit of high school basketball as the year draws to a close.
