Bishop Gorman High School’s girls basketball team, ranked No. 1 in the Review-Journal’s Class 5A standings, secured a decisive victory against No. 2 Democracy Prep, winning 62-51 in a crucial league match on January 10, 2024. Despite battling illness, freshman guard Arianna Brewer led the Gaels with 18 points and 10 rebounds, showcasing composure and skill beyond her years.
The Gaels, currently holding a record of 15-2 and 4-0 in the 5A Southern League, leveraged their size advantage effectively throughout the game. Coach Sheryl Krmpotich praised Brewer’s performance, stating, “She doesn’t play like a freshman. She’s seasoned and very solid.” Alongside Brewer, sophomore forward Aubrey Johnson contributed significantly with 10 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 blocks.
This matchup marked the first encounter between the two teams since last year’s 5A state semifinals, where Democracy Prep triumphed in overtime. Although the game presented a challenge, Gorman maintained a narrow lead for most of the contest, holding a mere 47-46 advantage with under six minutes remaining.
The turning point came when the Gaels launched a decisive 15-2 run, taking control of the game. Brewer highlighted the team’s strategy, stating, “That was a huge part of our plan, making sure our bigs were ready.” Johnson scored eight of her ten points in the second half, proving crucial in Gorman’s success.
Senior guard Aaliah Spaight, who has committed to the University of Texas, further demonstrated her prowess by scoring 17 points, along with 9 rebounds and 6 assists. Krmpotich noted Spaight’s ability to distribute the ball effectively, mentioning how she engaged her teammates throughout the match. Spaight’s impact was particularly evident in the first half, where she scored 13 points, helping Gorman to a 35-26 lead at halftime.
Democracy Prep’s efforts were led by Bray’ana Miles, a Coppin State commit, who scored 19 points and recorded 8 steals and 6 rebounds. Miles’s spinning layup early in the fourth quarter brought the Blue Knights within two points, but Gorman quickly responded with their decisive run.
Brewer credited the team’s preparation for the victory, emphasizing the importance of sticking to their game plan. “(Coach) told us to stay locked in, play our game, slow down, and don’t play at their pace,” she said.
The win positions Gorman favorably for the upcoming 5A state tournament, as they aim to secure the No. 1 seed and potentially avoid rematches against strong competitors like Democracy Prep until the championship game.
Despite the victory, Gorman faced challenges, notably playing against a Democracy Prep team missing key player Keonni Lewis, who was sidelined due to injury. Krmpotich acknowledged the significance of making defensive stops and capitalizing on opportunities, stating, “We had more runs than they did. We tried to make it very difficult for anything that they would try to put up.”
With this crucial victory, Bishop Gorman continues to solidify its position as a powerhouse in high school basketball, showcasing depth, talent, and strategic prowess on the court.
