Palo Alto High School will host its first Quad Night of the year Friday afternoon in the Big Gym, with the girls’ teams taking on the Mountain View Spartans, while the boys’ teams face the Homestead Mustangs.
Quad Night, which will start at 3:15 p.m., is known for a loud crowd and high energy throughout all four games, similar to the atmosphere at football games. Food stands will be open, and the Paly Cheerleading and Dance teams will be performing, as well. It’s a chance to socialize while supporting Paly sports in an energetic atmosphere.
“I think the vibes of the gym are really awesome, and the energy is really great,” junior guard Courtney Lovely said. “It’s always fun to watch the boys play after and cheering them on while coming together with the whole Paly community.”
The girls’ varsity team (14-2, 4-0), led by sophomore sharpshooter Lauren Koyama, is currently tied with Mountain View (13-3, 4-0) for first place in the De Anza League. Head coach Scott Peters says that the energy from the crowd will give the team a great boost.
“Any time we get more fans, it makes the girls feel appreciated and adds to the high school experience,” Peters said. “Bringing that energy to the game is very important, and it makes the game more fun. We want to have a game where we felt we gave everything we had and played in a great environment.”
Meanwhile, the boys’ varsity team (13-2, 4-0) is currently on a nine-game winning streak, fresh off a one-point victory at Los Altos (6-8, 1-2), 58-57. Senior guard Kevin Mullin currently leads the De Anza League in scoring with 20.1 points per game.
Junior Oliver Svirsky says that the energy plays a large role, but the team is most focused on working together to get the win.
“The team will do [well] if we feed off of that stuff [energy] – it really helps us,” Svirsky said. “I’m looking forward to seeing everyone supporting us and getting the win.”
The first game will tip off at 3:15 p.m. with the girls’ junior varsity team. The boys’ frosh/soph team starts at 4:45 p.m., and girls’ varsity will follow at 6:15 p.m. The boys’ varsity caps off the night beginning at 7:45 p.m. All games will be played in the Paly Big Gym. If you can’t make it, check back to The Paly Voice for live coverage of the varsity games.