On Friday night, the Jesuit Crusaders, ranked #15, faced off for a rematch against #12 ranked Beaverton for Jesuit’s senior night. Earlier this season, Jesuit narrowly lost to Beaverton 43-45, so Jesuit was looking to bounce back for their final league game. They ended up coming up short with the final score being 24-44.
Despite the loss, this was still a special game to celebrate senior night, with it being seniors’ Audrey Bayless and Lily Appleyard’s last regular season game at Jesuit.
Audrey Bayless has had an impactful role at Jesuit basketball, being a four year varsity player and captain and leader on the court this year. She will continue her basketball career next year at Claremont Mckenna college.
“I was super excited for my senior night. I have watched my past teammates and friends get honored on this night and it is crazy to think that now it was my turn, time flies so fast. The juniors, parents, and coaches did an amazing job and I was so grateful for everything they did,” Bayless said.
This is Lily Appleyard’s first year on varsity. Her team has appreciated the energy that she brings on and off the court.
“I was so happy to have senior night with Lily. She has the best energy and always gives her best effort in games. We played together in middle school and in high school so it was an emotional night for both of us,” Bayless said.
The first quarter was low scoring with the score ending 6-9, Jesuit narrowly behind. By the end of the first quarter the game was getting physical.
By the end of the half Beaverton began to pull away, with the score being 10-18. Beaverton kept their momentum through the second half and ended up winning 44-24.
“The game definitely did not go how we wanted it to, our shots weren’t going in, but we fought and worked hard as a team,” Appleyard said.
While this was not the result Jesuit hoped for, finishing Metro League play 4-4, they are feeling optimistic going into playoffs.
“Our team is looking forward to playoffs and we’re ready to fight and compete against whoever we’re playing and give it our all,” junior Lauren Reding said.
Despite the loss, Jesuit did not fall in the rankings. #15 Jesuit will host #18 Gresham in the first round of the OSAA 6a playoffs on Tuesday, March 4 in the Knight Gym.
