Branson Defeats Archie Williams in Girls Basketball Playoffs

Sophomore point guard Kate Spaulding leads Branson to victory in MCAL first-round matchup

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The Branson School girls basketball team, led by first-year coach Kayden Korst and sophomore point guard Kate Spaulding, defeated Archie Williams High School 36-29 in the first round of the MCAL playoffs. Spaulding scored a game-high 14 points, including two key 3-pointers in the second quarter to help the Bulls pull ahead. Branson, the #4 seed, will now face top-seeded Redwood in the semifinals on Wednesday.

Why it matters

The win continues Branson's strong season under new coach Korst, who led Marin Catholic to a state title last year before taking over the Bulls' program. Spaulding's emergence as a leader has been crucial for the young Branson squad, which features several freshmen and sophomores. Both teams are expected to receive bids to the upcoming North Coast Section tournament.

The details

Branson jumped out to a 21-13 halftime lead, thanks in large part to Spaulding's 8 second-quarter points. Archie Williams made a late push, cutting the deficit to 31-28 in the fourth quarter, but Spaulding scored two straight buckets to seal the victory for the Bulls. Branson's defense was the key, as they held the Falcons to just 29 points on the night.

  • The game was played on Monday, February 9, 2026 at the College of Marin.
  • Branson will face Redwood in the MCAL semifinals on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at 7:30 pm in Larkspur.

The players

Kate Spaulding

Sophomore point guard for the Branson School, earning all-MCAL honors as a freshman and leading the team with 14 points in the playoff win.

Kayden Korst

First-year head coach of the Branson School girls basketball team, previously leading Marin Catholic to a state championship.

Reese Patton

Junior forward for Archie Williams High School, leading the team with 8 points in the playoff loss.

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What they’re saying

“We're a young squad. We've got a lot of young talent along with great senior leadership. It's been a good mix. We're excited to see where we can go.”

— Kayden Korst, Head Coach, Branson School (marinij.com)

“I feel I've grown as a player. We have a really great team and really great coaches. We're kind of starting new, but we also have players who have been here. I've been able to step up this year, and it's been a great experience for me to be able to help the team out.”

— Kate Spaulding, Sophomore Point Guard, Branson School (marinij.com)

What’s next

The winner of the Branson-Redwood semifinal game will advance to the MCAL championship game on Friday, February 13, 2026.

The takeaway

Branson's young but talented roster, led by sophomore star Kate Spaulding and first-year coach Kayden Korst, has the Bulls primed for a deep postseason run after their playoff-opening win over Archie Williams. The team's stifling defense and Spaulding's scoring ability make them a tough out for any opponent.