The girls’ basketball team defeated Palisades Charter High School 71-43 Nov. 27 in Taper Gymnasium to advance to 4-2 on the season. The Wolverines showed their ability to close out games as they overcame a slow start to solidify a near 30-point victory.

The Wolverines looked confused in the first quarter, committing many turnovers and allowing the Dolphins to penetrate the paint. Forward Okikiola Iriafen ’21 carried the team early on with 11 points to end the first quarter at 15-15.

The squad’s offense exploded in the second quarter as they pulled away from the Dolphins to lead 40-24 at half. Their 25-point quarter marks the highest scoring quarter for the Wolverines this season. Forward Ella Price ’20 said the energy from both her teammates on the court and on the bench were a large factor for the team’s offensive domination.

“We didn’t come off that strong but we prevailed in the end,” forward Ella Price ’20 said. “With energy off the bench and all players contributing greatly we got a great win.”

In addition to their offensive efficiency, the Wolverines stepped up in the second half on the defensive side of the ball. They limited the Dolphins to four points in the fourth quarter as they put up 17 of their own, sealing their 71-43 win.

“Everyone played well and contributed to the game,” Junior guard Mirabella Wong ’20 said. “We worked hard and played our hardest until the last second.”

The Wolverines’ 71-point game is their highest point total of the young season. Iriafen finished with 31 points and her sophomore teammates Kimiko Katzaroff ’21 and Krista Semaan ’21 finished with 16 and 10 points, respectively.

The Wolverines will play Thousand Oaks High School on Dec. 3 and Culver City High School on Dec. 4. They will begin the Burroughs Tournament on Dec. 5.