Freshman Melissa Baptista recorded a career high 19 points and 12 rebounds in the Highlanders' 82-50 win over Everett last Friday night.

By Mike Rubin

Not only has the Somerville girls basketball team been able to turn around their season,  they’re well within striking distance of a tournament berth.

Only a month ago, a trip to the tournament for the Highlanders seemed like a fantasy.

After nearly a week off, the Highlanders didn’t show one ounce of rust, cruising to an 82-50 victory over Everett in last Friday’s Greater Boston League match-up. With the win, the Highlanders improved to 7-6 and 3-1 in the Greater Boston League.

“Over the last week, the rapid pace of practices has ignited a blend of competition and intensity,” said coach Shannon Clark.  Finally, with a break in the inclement weather, the team was able to direct its aggression toward an opponent. The Highlanders traveled to Everett last night, eager to earn another crucial GBL victory and determined to begin their difficult February stretch in good fashion.”

Through the end of the first quarter, the Highlanders held a slim 15-11 lead before erupting on a 20-6 run to grab a commanding 35-17 halftime lead.

Ahead by 18 points, the Highlanders continued to light the lamp, erupting for a 31 third quarter en route to a 66-28 lead.

“We were a focused group to start the third quarter,” said Clark. “The resulting avalanche took much of the suspense out of the game. In an impressive eight minute span, the Highlanders rattled off two separate 8-0 runs, and a 10-0 burst. Kelsey Garrity and Indira Evora were relentless during the streak, scoring from just about everywhere.”

During the third quarter, senior Kelsey Garrity poured in with 13 points while Evora added 10 followed by Melissa Baptista while scoring a combined 29 out 31 points in the third quarter.

In the fourth quarter, Clark emptied his bench as the Highlanders never looked back en route to the victory.

“We were able to get all 10 of our girls some quality playing time,” said Clark. “Baptista had a great game and she had a career double-double.”

Leading the way for the Highlanders was Garrity, who recorded 19 points to go with nine rebounds and five steals while Evora added 19 points, five steals and five assists. Also contributing was Baptista with 19 points and 12 rebounds.

“We’re starting to be more aggressive on the boards,” said Clark. “We’re attacking the basket, and we’re starting to become a stronger team in transition.”

The Highlanders hosted New Mission on Monday night at the Brune Field House for a 7 p.m. tip-off.