- Atwater completes a season sweep of the Bears 2-0.
- The Falcons compiled a 20-2 run in the third quarter.
Atwater High School hosted a Tuesday night basketball matchup against the Merced Bears as the Lady Falcons celebrated Senior Night, honoring their graduating players for their contributions to the program. The gym was decorated with banners and filled with family, friends, and classmates cheering on the seniors in their final home game of the season.
Merced got the game started with the tip-off, controlled by Averie Steverson; however, Atwater quickly showed that they were ready to compete. The Falcons earned the first points of the game when Vanessa Chavez made a free throw with less than six minutes on the clock. Merced responded almost immediately as Samantha Barragan attained a three-pointer to take an early lead. Atwater fought back with points from Chavez and Makayla Ybarra, but a late layup from A’machi Turner closed out the quarter with Merced up 19-8, leaving Atwater in need of a strong comeback to get back in the game.
The Falcons came out more focused in the second quarter, determined to close the gap. Vanessa Chavez knocked down a pair of free throws to get Atwater some points, and Makayla Ybarra added a strong layup soon after. The Bears responded with baskets from Averie Steverson, keeping Merced ahead, but the Falcons stayed on their heels when Natalia Melgoza and Vanessa Chavez hit consecutive baskets to keep the game close. Rebounding became key in the quarter, as both teams fought for second-chance points. Midway through the quarter, Riley Leonardo hit a three-pointer, giving the Falcons momentum as they tried to cut into the Bears’ lead. Despite Atwater’s efforts, Merced kept pace with consistent scoring, and by halftime, the Bears held a 27-21 lead.
The Falcons came out of halftime clearly determined to take control. Early in the quarter, Isabella Villa scored under the basket, followed by a layup from McKenzie Wilkinson. Riley Leonardo added free throws to extend Atwater’s momentum, and before the Bears could blink, Atwater had taken the lead with a re-energized bench. As the quarter continued, McKenzie Wilkinson then hit another three-pointer, giving the Falcons a comfortable advantage. Late in the quarter, Vanessa Chavez and Riley Leonardo added more baskets, while Merced’s Averie Steverson made a layup to try and pump some life back into the struggling Bears’ offense. By the end of the third quarter, Atwater led 41-29, taking control of the game with a dominant 20-2 run in the third quarter.
The Falcons started the fourth quarter determined to hold their lead. Isabella Villa scored early under the basket, followed by a layup from Vanessa Chavez. Riley Leonardo added free throws, and McKenzie Wilkinson hit another three-pointer, giving Atwater a strong cushion. The Bears fought back with a three-pointer from Aleena Trevino and a layup from Averie Steverson, but the Falcons’ Chavez, Villa, and Leonardo continued to pile on the points for the Falcons. Merced kept pushing until the end, but time soon ran out for the Bears. The Falcons closed out the game 55-46 as the team celebrated their Senior Night with a hard-fought home victory.
Senior Riley Leonardo played a key role in the Falcons’ Senior Night win, contributing six points and steady leadership. Reflecting on the night, she said, “It kind of just recognizes what work we put in throughout the year and through the past years”. She also shared her feelings about leaving her underclass teammates as “sad” and “bittersweet.” When commenting on Atwater’s strong second-half performance, she explained how her team often jokes about superstitions, and for this particular game her coach shared “he wasn’t wearing the right shoes.” During the halftime break, the coach was able to change his shoes. This slight of foot may have made all the difference.
With the win, the Falcons maintain their second-place league standing, while the Bears drop down to fourth. Atwater celebrated Senior Night with a strong team effort, highlighted by key contributions from all of their seniors. The Falcons have just one more league game, a home matchup against their hometown rival Buhach Colony on February 12 at 7:15 PM, while the Bears will close out their season at Golden Valley at the same time and day.
- Photos by Grace Gallegos. ↩︎
