![MORE THAN A GAME. With two diving catches in the outfield, the Lions showed up defensively, aiding in their victory over the Pacers. One catch was made by Atwood, and the other by McGraw. Throughout the game, the Lions knew that it wasn’t just about their victory today. “I think [playing for cancer] makes it bigger than just a game,” McGraw said. “Knowing that you have a bigger impact in this world than just who you are as one person.”](https://bestofsno.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/I70A1454-1-1200x800.jpg)
On Tuesday, Dec. 2, the Waterloo West Wahawks Girls Basketball Team competed against the Decorah Vikings at the Waterloo West High School Siddens Gymnasium. The starters for the Wahawks included Seniors Nakia Ollivierre, Ally Landers and Agum Matit, as well as Juniors Kingslee Thomas and Taraji Moore.
West Point commit Ollivierre set a fast tempo for the game by opening the first quarter with a quick blow by her defender at the top of the key, using Matit for the ball screen. Getting back on defense, now in his 46th year of coaching, Coach Anthony Pappas uses an aggressive defensive technique some may recognize. His technique is remembered from the team’s notable 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 seasons with key players Halli Poock, current point guard at Murray state and Sahara Williams a starting forward at number nine ranked Oklahoma, who both helped lead West High to four straight state appearances.
The scoring and assist leader for the Wahawks was Ollivierre with 35 points and eight assists and the rebound leader was Thomas with 14 rebounds. The Wahawks won 87-68, with exactly 54 of their points coming from 3-pointers (18), their 3-point percentage during the game satat 58.1% (18/31). Breaking the team record for West High that was set in the 2013-2014 season.
Landers shares “It was a really fun environment to get to play in. The team chemistry was on point and everyone had the confidence to shoot the ball which really shifted the momentum in a positive direction. Between the fans, players and even the coaches being apart of this game was a great experience and set the tone for a very successful season!”
Senior Point Guard and West Point Commit Nakia Ollivierre drives to the basket, drawing a foul against Decorah.
Sophomore Guard Maelyn Wass pump fakes in the paint, initiating a new play for the Wahawks.
In his 46th year of coaching the Wahawks Girls Basketball Team, Coach Pappas shows his passion for both the game of basketball and his players both on and off the court.
6’6 Senior Agum Matit sets an on ball screen for Senior Nakia Ollivierre, allowing her to get past the defense and drive to the basket.
Junior Kingslee Thomas gets ready to dive for the loose basketball, initiating yet another jump ball.
The Wahawks circle up between the third and fourth quarter, discussing their plan for the rest of the game.
Senior Center Agum Matit sinks a free throw after being fouled creating a “three-point” play.
Senior Nakia Ollivierre blows by defenders with ease, using her speed and advanced footwork to make her way to the paint.
Senior Agum Matit towers over her opponents as she puts up yet another offensive board.
Coach Pappas walks up the court as he directs the starters on their roles in the full court press.
This story was originally published on The Wahawk Insider on December 12, 2025.