As basketball season returns, so do our rivals. The rivalry between the Sea Kings and the Peninsula Panthers goes back decades, and in most sports, PV dominates, but scores come much closer on the basketball court. Since 2010, PV has won 22% of the games against Pen high school.
Leading up to the game on January 16, the school spirit was impossible to miss. Sophomore William Todaro said, “Everyday I’m so pumped up just to go to school because it’s rivalry week and I [couldn’t] wait to go to the game on Friday.”
Rivalry week was a huge success, including many fun dress up days. “Mourning their loss Monday”, “Night Night Kitty” and “King of the Jungle” were just some of the ways ASB got all the students excited for the game.
Behind the scenes, both teams worked hard every day for the upcoming game.
“Our team has been working out every single day together to prepare for the game,” said Varsity basketball player, Tavien Bell.
The Peninsula team was prepared and felt very confident; “We play extremely hard and play as a family. Our chemistry and energy will be a winning factor for us,” said Penn High sophomore Musa Shaikh.
That Friday’s game was a huge success for PV High. The energy was high and from the tip-off. The Sea Kings showed effort, teamwork and spirit, with so many students coming out to show their support. In the beginning, PV trailed just behind the Panthers, struggling to keep up with them.
As the game progressed the team came together, showing great determination. It paid off – PV took control of the game and turned it around, ultimately crushing the Panthers with a 75-56 victory.
Peninsula held up for the first quarter, but they were no match against PV’s strong defense and offensive power. The Sea Kings were locked in the whole game and once again, secured another well deserved win.