URGENT UPDATE: The West Torrance girls basketball team kicked off their season with a decisive 49-38 victory over Village Christian in the Gold Division opener of the Battle at the Beach Tournament, held at Redondo Union High on November 7, 2023.
The Warriors started strong, establishing a commanding 14-point lead in the first quarter, largely due to standout performances from freshman Kayla Nayak and sophomore Hailey Igbokwe. Nayak scored nine of her game-high 17 points in the opening quarter, while Igbokwe contributed five of her nine points.
“We started out really well, especially defensively,” said West Torrance coach Keith Prendergast. “I knew they would bounce back and make a run, but I’m proud of how we responded and got a good win.”
With a 16-point advantage early in the second quarter, Nayak hit her third 3-pointer of the night, followed by a shot from Katie Moore, propelling the Warriors to a 22-point lead at halftime. Nayak continued her strong performance with another 3-pointer to open the second half, but Village Christian fought back, narrowing the gap to 15 points by the end of the third quarter.
Igbokwe helped regain control for West, scoring crucial baskets in the final quarter. Despite a late surge from Village Christian, which brought the score to within 13 points, a timely 3-pointer from Moore sealed the game for West.
“This tournament is important for us to do well in,” Igbokwe stated. “It gives us a good idea of how things are going to be once we start playing in league.”
Nayak echoed the importance of the tournament, saying, “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.”
The Warriors are aiming for a return to the CIF-SS playoffs this season, and their performance in this tournament is critical to building early momentum.
West Torrance will continue pool play tomorrow against Leuzinger, with fans eager to see if the Warriors can maintain their winning streak. Stay tuned for updates as the tournament progresses!
