"Never give up" is a phrase that infiltrates every aspect of athletics, but it isn't often you see a team, not to mention two, put it into practice in quite the way both the boys' and girls' basketball teams demonstrated last week. As a result, both clubs were rewarded with their first win of the season.

To say it was a challenging season would be quite the understatement for Donegal basketball. It was a season chock full of uncertainty, delays, injuries, and disappointments, but at every turn the battered Indians proved they had the depth of character to press on.

GIRLS' BASKETBALL

For the Lady Indians their win-drought ended when they achieved a 49-15 triumph on Thursday, February 25th, while hosting Octorara.

The hungry Donegal squad rocketed out to a 16-6 start and followed it up with their strongest offense quarter in the second, amassing another 21 points to hold a 37-9 advantage at the half.

Defensively, the Tribe put all the moving parts together for a cohesive effort, limiting Octorara's offensive options. Sophomore Sophia Floyd's collection of eight steals and Victoria Burton's authoritative presence on the block gave the Donegal defense just the boost it needed.

"Our defense was the key to us winning," acknowledged head coach Matthew Warner. "We had our struggles this season playing half-court offense, so getting turnovers and playing faster in transition really enabled us to get into a nice rhythm offensively."

Floyd led all scorers with her 14-point contribution, and the Indians shared the attack and the success with Burton netting nine and Catie Weber and Madeline Gohn dropping in six apiece.

A total of nine different Indian athletes added points to the runaway win.

"We had been more competitive over the past two weeks or so," Warner went on to say. "We had a few halftime leads, but just couldn't finish the job. So, it certainly felt great to get that first win under our belts."

BOYS' BASKETBALL

For the boys, their hard-earned triumph came the following day on February 26th with a home court 51-46 success, edging ahead of the visiting Solanco Mules.

After the first eight minutes Solanco held a slim 15-13 advantage, but as the teams continued to trade baskets, the halftime score displayed a level 21-21. It was the third quarter that Donegal caught fire and went on a 17-7 blitz to gain control.

Levi Sites' 14 points paced the Indian offense and Khalil Masden popped in another nine. Luke Yunginger went two-for-two at the line and added a pair of three-point baskets to gather another eight for the Donegal effort.