Arlington senior Jayla Russ put up 19 points and had 19 rebounds in the Eagles’ 53-19 victory over the Oak Harbor Wildcats.

The Eagles had a bit of a slow start in the first half, especially when it came to the offensive side of the ball. But even with the slow start, they were able to score 13 in the first quarter, with 4 coming from senior Gracie Castaneda. Four points was all the Wildcats were able to score in the first quarter, mostly due to the pressure that Arlington put on Oak Harbor in the backcourt. Arlington was able to put up points in the late part of the second quarter, with Russ hitting two three’s with minutes left in the half. Arlington’s defense continued to shine, only allowing Oak Harbor 3 points in the quarter. The Eagles headed to the locker room up 31-7.

After Oak Harbor scored four points in rapid succession right after the half started, Arlington began to gain momentum. Senior Sevi Bielser was a big part of Arlington’s second half dominance, scoring ten points on the night, including back-to-back threes.  The Eagles were able to cruise to victory in the fourth quarter, winning by a final score of 53-19.

While she didn’t score any points, senior Sarah Shortt contributed hugely to the defensive side of the ball in Arlington’s win. “We had a rough start,” said Shortt. “[In the] second half we really picked up the intensity.”

After the game, Russ also pointed to Arlington’s defense as a key reason why the Eagles were so successful. “Our defense really kicked us back into it in the end,” she said.

As for why she did so well, Russ said, “I feel like I attacked the basket a lot more, and went into the basket fearlessly.”

Castaneda–9. Balderas–5. Shortt–0. Bielser–10. Gutierrez–0. Larson–4. Janousek–0. Brown–3. Anderson–3. Miears–0. Russ–19.