FHHS Girls Basketball beats Van Buren, 59-48

After a week-long recess, the Forest Hills High School girls varsity basketball team got back to the hardwood and in the win column, defeating Martin Van Buren High School 59-48, Monday night.

With just a few games left in the season, the Rangers started working out all their flaws so that come playoff time, they can take their game to a higher level. Van Buren — struggling as of late, winning just two of their last six games — wanted to right the ship, and instead became the latest team to fall to the Rangers.

Hero: In a season where underclassmen have stepped up, freshman Jodi Ann Humphrey has been no exception, as she carried the load for the team, scoring a game-high 22 points. 

At times, while Van Buren began making mini runs, Humphrey was right there to stop the team in its tracks with steals and rebounds.  When it wasn't Humphrey doing all the work, senior Pareese Hankerson showed her leadership stepping in to contribute 15 points.

Turning Point: While the Rangers took charge most of the way, holding the Vee Bees to just five points in the first quarter, Van Buren did not let down, scoring 13 in the second, and 15 in the third. What was once a double digit lead for Forest Hills became a nine point lead late in the third quarter, thanks to the help of senior Toni Gooden, who unloaded scoring 16 points, and junior Karina Wong. Ultimately some strong offensively play in the fourth helped the Rangers hang on.

Bottom Line: The Vee Bees, while coming out the half on a run, stifiling the defense when they had to, could not withstand the presence of the suffocating press put on by the Rangers. The game was close as the fourth quarter started, but Forest Hills showed why they have come this far, improving their record to 12-1 on the year.

Quotable: Forest Hills coach Michelle Davis had a lot to be impressed by.

"As we get set for the playoffs, we're just trying to work on the same basic stuff we've been working on," Davis said. "We've got to pick it up on defense, but overall they're pretty much where I want them to be."

Who's Next: The Rangers continue on the road, as they get set to play Bayside High School on Thursday, Feb. 3 at 4:30 p.m.

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