After a strong season, the girls basketball team fell one game short of making the state tournament. The team was seeded No. 2 in the South Sioux City High School-hosted district tournament. In the first game, Feb. 25, the team played the No. 3 seeded Omaha North Vikings. The Warriors dismantled the Vikings to a final score of 55-22. The team got off to a huge start in the game scoring 21 first quarter points. Then, the Warriors defense tightened up, allowing only six in the second quarter and two in the third. The Warriors were led in scoring by  junior Jay Bridgeman, who had 11. Almost everyone on the team contributed to scoring, as well. 11 different players scored for the Warriors during the game.

But the team was not able to continue its winning ways on Thursday. The team lost to the No. 1 seed South Sioux City High School 52-45.

“They made a lot more shots than we did,” Bridgeman said. “They were heavy on the inside, and we were forced to shoot outside shots. We just didn’t hit them. We also sent them to the line a lot and they made almost all of [their] free throws.”

The team made runs, but ultimately could not finish a comeback. A slow first quarter hurt the Warriors, and the team also gave up 18 in the fourth quarter.

“We were really rushed, and we made stupid turnovers,” Bridgeman said. “They had a home court advantage and I think it got in some of our heads. We just needed to calm down.”

Overall, the Warriors had a good season. The team finished the season well above .500, with a 15-8 record.

“Our record this year compared to last year was better,” Bridgeman. “It was a little surprise because we lost seniors in past years. I think we deserved to go to state. We worked really hard, and looking back on the season I had a really fun time. It was probably one of the best years I have been on varsity.”

Westside finished second in its district. Looking forward to next year, the team  loses four seniors, all of whom were starters. The team does retain key players such as Bridgeman, junior Miranda Thacker, sophomores Lynsey Curren and Bridget Mizener, and others. The team will be experienced, and looking to make another run in the post season next year.