The Goffstown Grizzlies faced the Portsmouth Clippers for a basketball game on October 12th, taking place at Bedford High School. A rough start for the Grizzlies, as they only had 5 players for the whole game. Jenna Shannon: a varsity starter says,  

“The number disadvantage is only going to make us stronger and help us build the stamina for the season.” 

The game was very intense, with the score going back and forth between the teams, despite Goffstown’s player disadvantage. Sophomore Sophie MacDonald made a big contribution by “smacking a ton of threes,” and “hustling back on defense every time.” 

There was an obvious turning point in the game after the Grizzlies took a timeout when they started falling behind. “Intensity needs to be what we focus on, if we turn that up then it’s game over for them.” The Grizzlies then fought their way to a 28-21 lead by the half. Going into the second half, Portsmouth started to take over the game. The Grizzlies simply could not keep up with the Clippers, as they were feeling the pressure of the numbers.

The Grizzlies defense started to appear less intense, as the clippers would push the ball up the court for the easy transition layups. Goffstown takes a timeout, where basketball alumni and 1000 point scorer Maggie Sasso gave a great speech, “You guys need to be attacking the rim, and you have to step it up with intensity. Rebounds and kickouts will be your best friends for the rest of the game.” 

Heading into the last 10 minutes of the game the Grizzlies put on a big fight. They were slowly climbing their way back up on the score board, and anyone watching could see they weren’t going to let this game just slip away. The game ended with a loss for the Grizzlies on the court, but a win for the girls in their mind. “Losing 42-40 in a fall league game against Portsmouth is not a bad look. I am proud of the energy that everyone put into this game, and for everyone showing up,” a quote from Nate Bracy, the girls varsity coach. The girls will go on to have 2 more games after this, with tough battles to face against Windham and Bedford.