GALT, CA(MPG) - The Galt High girls basketball team stayed competitive through the first half before falling to Hilmar 29-19 in preseason action, but Head Coach Jason Gaither is focused on the lessons learned rather than the final score.

The Warriors hung tough early, staying within a basket through the opening two quarters before Hilmar pulled away in the second half.

“We stuck with them until the end,” Gaither said after the physical matchup. “We did another close, competitive loss. Preseason’s about figuring these things out, and you can sometimes figure out more from a loss than you can from a win.”

 

Senior Alaya Gunter shoots.

The Warriors were able to give significant playing time to nearly their entire roster as they continue to evaluate personnel and establish roles early in the season.

“Things weren’t going our way,” Gaither noted. “So we tweaked some things on the move again, which is hard to do.”

The game’s intensity level caught the first-year Galt coach somewhat off guard as Hilmar brought an aggressive style to the game.

“Hilmar was way more physical than I anticipated,” Gaither said. “They were strong, scrappy, physical players. And some of our girls met it and some of them didn’t. We will be working on that.”

Seven different players scored for the Warriors, demonstrating the depth Gaither is working to develop. Paola Corral and Alex Landa each led the team with four points, while Scarlett Gaither added three.

 

Senior Scarlett Gaither rebounds and turns.

Skylar Moore, Emmy Pena, Alaya Gunter and Danah Godinez each contributed two points in the effort.

For Gaither, who is rebuilding a program that finished second-to-last in league the past two seasons, these preseason contests serve as valuable evaluation opportunities as he works to establish a new culture and identity for Galt basketball.

The Warriors will continue to prepare for league play, focusing on fundamentals, physicality and competitive consistency.

 

Sophomore Allie Garcia tries for three.