West Torrance Girls Basketball Triumphs in Tournament Opener

In a strong showing at the Battle at the Beach Tournament, the West Torrance girls basketball team secured a decisive 49-38 victory over Village Christian on March 5, 2024. The win marks an encouraging start for the Warriors, who aim to return to the CIF-SS playoffs this season.

Right from the tip-off, West Torrance established dominance, jumping to an impressive 14-point lead in the first quarter. Freshman Kayla Nayak and sophomore Hailey Igbokwe were pivotal in this early surge, with Nayak contributing nine of her game-high 17 points during the opening minutes. Igbokwe added five points of her own, showcasing the team’s offensive capabilities.

Strong Defense and Strategic Play

West Torrance’s head coach, Keith Prendergast, praised his team’s defensive effort, stating, “We started out really well especially defensively. I knew they would bounce back and make a run, but I’m proud of how we responded and got a good win.” He highlighted Nayak’s natural scoring ability and Igbokwe’s significant improvement from her freshman year, acknowledging their contributions to the team’s success.

The Warriors continued to build on their lead, reaching a 22-point advantage by halftime. Nayak further demonstrated her shooting prowess with her third three-pointer of the game, followed by a long-range shot from Katie Moore. As the third quarter progressed, Village Christian attempted a comeback, narrowing the gap to 15 points with just under two minutes remaining in the period.

Maintaining Control and Future Goals

Despite the pressure, West Torrance regained control in the final quarter. Igbokwe scored two crucial baskets, and Nayak executed a stylish reverse lay-up, pushing the lead to 46-28 with under six minutes left. Igbokwe finished the game with 9 points and 11 rebounds, underlining her all-around impact.

“Doing well in this tournament will give us some momentum early in the season and hopefully by league we will be ready so that we can make the playoffs this year,” Nayak noted after the game. “Our goal is to do well in playoffs and hopefully hang a (CIF) banner.”

As Village Christian made a late run, closing the gap to 13 points, Moore’s timely three-pointer with 2:15 remaining sealed the victory for West Torrance. The team will continue pool play against Leuzinger on March 6, 2024, as they strive to build on their successful start and strengthen their position for the upcoming league matches.