Westerly Bulldogs vs. Shea/Tolman | Girls Varsity Basketball

​On March 7, 2025, the Westerly Bulldogs hosted the Shea/Tolman co-op team in the first round of the Rhode Island Interscholastic League (RIIL) Girls Varsity Basketball State Tournament. The Bulldogs emerged victorious with a final score of 51-41, advancing to the quarterfinals. ​youtube.commaxpreps.com+1providencejournal.com+1

First Half: Westerly Sets the Tone

Westerly's defense was formidable from the outset, limiting Shea/Tolman to just four points in the first quarter, all scored by Tiyara Gonzalez. Freshman standout Ella Reyes led the Bulldogs' offense, contributing eight of the team's 12 points in the opening period. By the end of the first quarter, Westerly held a 12-4 advantage. ​providencejournal.com+2providencejournal.com+2maxpreps.com+2providencejournal.com+2maxpreps.com+2providencejournal.com+2

In the second quarter, both teams intensified their efforts. Gonzalez began to find her rhythm for Shea/Tolman, but Reyes continued her offensive surge, adding seven points to her tally. The Bulldogs maintained their lead, heading into halftime with a 28-17 advantage. ​providencejournal.com

Second Half: Shea/Tolman's Resilience Meets Westerly's Consistency

Shea/Tolman came out strong in the third quarter, with Gonzalez showcasing her scoring ability and Azilyn Medina providing valuable support. Despite their efforts, Westerly's consistent play, anchored by Reyes, kept the Bulldogs ahead. The quarter concluded with Westerly leading 39-31. ​maxpreps.com+1providencejournal.com+1providencejournal.com+1nfhsnetwork.com+1

In the final quarter, Shea/Tolman attempted a comeback, but Westerly's defense held firm. Key contributions from players like Kate Rafferty, who recorded eight assists and three steals, ensured the Bulldogs maintained their lead. The game concluded with a 51-41 victory for Westerly. ​maxpreps.com

Key Performances

• Westerly Bulldogs:

  • Ella Reyes: Delivered a stellar performance with 28 points, eight rebounds, and five steals, shooting 48% from the field. ​maxpreps.com
  • Kate Rafferty: Contributed five points, eight assists, and three steals, playing a pivotal role in both offense and defense. ​maxpreps.com

• Shea/Tolman Co-op:

  • Tiyara Gonzalez: Led her team with 20 points, six assists, and four steals, demonstrating her all-around capabilities. ​maxpreps.com
  • Azilyn Medina: Added 13 points, providing essential support to Gonzalez. ​maxpreps.com

Post-Game Reflections

Westerly's head coach praised the team's defensive intensity and the exceptional performance of Reyes, stating, "Ella's contribution was monumental, and our defense set the foundation for this win." Reyes emphasized the collective effort, noting, "While I had a good game, it was our team's defense and chemistry that secured the victory."​

Shea/Tolman's coach acknowledged the team's slow start but commended their resilience, saying, "We struggled initially, but the girls fought hard to close the gap. Tiyara's leadership on the court was commendable."​

Looking Ahead

With this victory, Westerly advances to the quarterfinals of the RIIL State Tournament. They are scheduled to face Moses Brown on Monday, March 10, at 8:00 p.m. The Bulldogs aim to continue their strong defensive play and build on their offensive strategies as they progress in the tournament.​providencejournal.com+3providencejournal.com+3youtube.com+3maxpreps.com+1providencejournal.com+1

For a visual recap of the game's highlights, you can watch the full game below:​