URGENT UPDATE: The West Torrance girls basketball team kicked off their campaign in the Battle at the Beach Tournament with a decisive 49-38 victory over Village Christian, showcasing their championship aspirations just moments ago at Redondo Union High.
The Warriors, aiming for a strong return to the CIF-SS playoffs, came out strong, building a commanding 14-point lead in the first quarter. Freshman sensation Kayla Nayak lit up the scoreboard, contributing 17 points, with nine of those coming in a blistering first quarter. Sophomore Hailey Igbokwe added valuable support with nine points, including critical baskets that maintained West’s momentum.
“Our strong defensive start was crucial tonight,” said West Torrance coach Keith Prendergast. “I’m proud of how we bounced back, especially with the pressure from Village Christian.”
Nayak’s sharpshooting continued to shine as she sank her third 3-pointer, stretching the lead to an impressive 22 points by halftime. The Warriors maintained control throughout the game, despite Village Christian attempting to close the gap in the second half. Igbokwe’s key baskets in the fourth quarter, including a pivotal reverse lay-up, kept the Crusaders at bay.
“I think we played really hard tonight, especially defensively,” Igbokwe stated after the game. She finished with 9 points and 11 rebounds, a testament to her all-around performance.
Nayak expressed confidence in the team’s trajectory: “Doing well in this tournament is vital for our momentum. Our goal is to excel in the playoffs and bring home a CIF banner.”
The Warriors’ next challenge comes as they continue pool play against Leuzinger on Wednesday, January 4, 2024, as they seek to build on this critical early-season success.
As the tournament unfolds, West Torrance will look to solidify their standing and gather momentum heading into the league play. This victory not only boosts their confidence but sets the tone for their playoff aspirations. Stay tuned for more updates from the Battle at the Beach Tournament as the Warriors aim to make waves this season!
