Friday night the girls basketball team played the Highland Park Giants for the sole ownership of the Conference Title. Going into the game, the worst the girls could do was tie for conference. Not only was this important for the conference title, but it was also Senior Night. This was the last home Conference game for the two seniors on the team: Alyssa Brand and Kienya Jones. Jones has been on varsity since her freshman year while Brand joined the team her sophomore year.

Before the game, as is tradition on every teams senior night, each girl was walked out to center court by their parents and was greeted by the Athletic Director, Assistant Athletic Director, and the Principal. Their teammates gave them a basket filled with different gifts that they thought each girl would like. After pictures and gifts it was game time.

“Play relaxed, have fun, and do what’s right. Don’t lose.” That’s what was going through Jones’ head before the game.

Before they got to playing, as the starters were being announced they also recognized the all conference athletes from both teams. North has three all-conference players; Brand, Jones, and Olivia Schaps.

The Vikings won the jump ball and Jones got the first basket to start the game.  They held onto the lead the entire game. Both teams scrambled for every loose ball. It was a very physical game unfortunately Jones hurt her ankle in the middle of the third quarter and had to sit for while, luckily she was able to tape up her ankle and come back by the end of third. Vikings won 48-30 and celebrated by the tradional cutting of the net and getting conference champs sweatshirts.

When asked about how she felt going into the game, freshman Alyssa Aragon said, “It was a lot of fun. everyone was really hyped going into the game. It was just a really fun  environment to be in, but everyone knew we had to keep our emotions in check and focus on the game.”

They ended the regular season 19-9 (9-1 in conference) . They play Leyden for their first regional game on Wednesday starting at 7:30pm at Niles North. Come out and support!