The Hive Sports

by James Tate

The Davis Darts took the court at Weber High School tied for first place in Region 1, and they played like a team intent on staying there. Behind a blistering 13-0 start, a game-high 21 points from junior standout Kate Willard, and a defensive effort that set the tone from the opening tip, the Darts earned a 50-39 road win over the Weber Warriors on Friday night.

The victory gives Davis the season sweep over Weber and extends the program’s win streak against the Warriors. The Darts improve to 4-1 in region play, matching Syracuse atop the standings, while Weber drops to 2-3 with plenty of basketball still ahead.

Willard, who has elevated her game significantly since earning Honorable Mention All-State honors last season, was the catalyst in Davis’ dominant first quarter. Her blend of knock-down perimeter shooting, fearless drives, and disruptive defense fueled the Darts’ 13-0 run to open the game. She scored nine of Davis’ 13 first-quarter points, jumping passing lanes and pushing the tempo to keep Weber off balance.

Weber didn’t break through until the final 30 seconds of the quarter, when junior guard Jade Kulpa converted a layup through contact and added the free throw to make it 13-3.

Davis extended its lead to 19-3 early in the second quarter behind a layup from senior Lydia Tarbet and back-to-back jumpers from senior Kiara Zwonitzer. But Weber responded with its best stretch of the night, an 11-0 run that showcased the Warriors’ grit and resilience.

Senior scoring leader Rylee Jugler poured in seven points during the surge, and sophomore guard Summer Hallows added two layups as Weber trimmed the deficit to 19-14 with just over 30 seconds left in the half. Freshman Emma Knight halted the run with a timely three-pointer, sending Davis into the locker room ahead 22-14.

Emma Knight (l) Avery Shupe (r)

Darts regain control in the second half

Weber carried its momentum into the third quarter and quickly cut the Davis lead to 24-20 behind a Jugler layup, a Kulpa free throw, and a three from junior Avery Shupe. But with 3:28 remaining in the period, the Darts slammed the door.

Davis outscored Weber 15-5 the rest of the quarter, fueled by defensive pressure that turned Warrior turnovers into points. Willard drilled two three-pointers during the run, and senior Emma Loveland added another from deep as the Darts rebuilt a commanding 39-25 lead heading into the fourth.

The Warriors continued to fight, cutting the deficit to 45-37 with 2:51 remaining after a layup from Hallows. But Willard delivered the game-sealing moment, a driving finish with 2:19 on the clock that pushed the lead back to double digits and secured the Darts’ control down the stretch.

Davis closed out the final minutes with poise, matching Weber’s urgency and protecting the lead to the final horn.

Willard led all scorers with 21 points, while Zwonitzer added 10 for the Darts. Weber was paced by Kulpa’s 11 points, followed by Jugler with nine and Hallows with eight.

With the win, Davis moves to 4-1 in Region 1, keeping pace with Syracuse in the race for the top spot. Weber falls to 2-3 but remains firmly in the mix as the region schedule tightens and playoff positioning comes into focus.

Kiara Zwonitzer

photos courtesy of James Tate