The Buccaneers girls basketball team is on a path to its best record since 2020-21 when Kingston finished 11-4.

“In the previous year, nobody showed up, and we lost some core people,” Buc coach Charles Deam said. “All these girls thought we would be good and were a young team last year. We had a really good summer and laid a good foundation, and these girls are working really hard.”

Standout player Jayla Moon added, “Everyone has been putting the work in, and we are not having issues. Everyone wants to get revenge on these teams that trashed us last year.”

After finishing last season 2-18, the Bucs earned some more revenge this season by defeating Bremerton 52-47 Jan.11, despite blowing a 21-point second-half lead. Moon led the pack with five moonshots from the perimeter to end with 15 points.

“We came off a few losses so I knew I needed to help my team out, especially since we haven’t played our best,” Moon said. “Every time I hit one, our team gets more energy and keeps scoring.”

The Bucs hit nine three-pointers but struggled inside against a taller Bremerton squad.

Therefore, the Bucs only held a 16-15 lead after the first quarter. In the second period, Knight Attiana Cabato scored some baskets to finish with six points at halftime. Yet, Moon earned nine points, and Khi Tall Bull added seven, including a three-pointer, to keep Kingston in front.

“I would have liked to see us drive it in a bit more instead of living and dying by the threes but we did enough to win,” Deam said. “I know we got outrebounded. We have to box out, That was a focus at halftime to be better at the boards.”

Kingston’s largest lead was 40-19 near the end of the third quarter. But Bremerton responded when Jannisa Lizama and Heaven Thomas combined for 27 points and slimmed the lead to 44-42 in the fourth quarter.

However, Moon’s final three-point shot sealed the deal to boost the Bucs’ record to 9-4.

“We have played in some close games this year and come from a lot down,” Deam said. “These close games benefit us, and we played smart enough to hang on.”

Moon said, “Our team has been good at coming through.”

Deam said their goal this year is to make the district playoffs. “Last year was the first year we did not make districts since I came here. Once we make the playoffs, it’s a new season and anything can happen.”

Knight Harmony Green shoots a midrange shot.

Knight Heaven Thomas pushes past Buc Tavyn Belgarde.