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The Berkeley High Lady Yellowjackets basketball team steamrolled the visiting Richmond Oilers Wednesday night, 82-15. 

From the outset it was difficult to determine which was colder: the frigid Berkeley gymnasium or the glacial Oiler offense. The ‘Jackets held Richmond scoreless throughout the first quarter, 14-0, and for another two minutes into the second quarter before the Oilers finally managed to reach the scoreboard. At that stage the Yellowjackets had already scored 18 points, more than enough for their eventual victory. 

“We had a rule, five passes before a shot,” said Berkeley head coach Gene Nakamura of the blowout. “We’re just trying to learn. Pass the ball, teamwork, and try to get through the game as quickly as possible.” 

Berkeley, which started and finished the game with its second string on the floor, was led by 5-foot-0 freshman guard Danisha Wright, who poured in 21 points. Wright had 13 straight points to close out the fourth quarter for the ‘Jackets, including a pair of 3-pointers. 

“(Wright) had a very strong first quarter, and a very strong fourth quarter,” Nakamura said. “She’s getting better every day.” 

Wednesday’s runaway victory came without the services of another key freshman, starting center Devanei Hampton. The 6-foot-3 Hampton, nicknamed “The Hammer” by her teammates, watched the game on crutches due to a strained knee ligament. Interviewed after the game Hampton said that she was looking forward to getting back on the court. 

“I love it,” Hampton said. “I want to play college, hopefully, if I don’t go to the NBA. I don’t want to play in the WNBA.” 

Hampton intends to return to the Berkeley frontcourt next week, strengthening an already formidable Yellowjacket team. 

Richmond was sadly overmatched even before tipoff. The Oilers suited up seven players for the contest, facing a Berkeley roster consisting of five starters and nine uniformed reserves. Even the Berkeley cheerleading staff, boasting nine uniformed cheerleaders not including the giant Yellowjacket mascot, had the Oiler squad well outnumbered. 

Natasha Bailey and Michi Yamamoto each added 10 points for Berkeley, and ten Yellowjackets scored in the game.