The California Middle School seventh grade girls basketball team traveled to Wardsville Nov. 27, where California defeated Blair Oaks 27-26.
The Lady Falcons led 3-2 after one quarter, 9-3 at the half, and 24-15 after three quarters. It was the fourth quarter that made the difference as the Lady Pintos outscored Blair Oaks 12-2 to take the win.
"We were unable to convert on some key shots and lay ups in the first half," California Coach Brian Lawson said. "We were rattled and we panicked, but we were fortunate to only be done by six going into the half. We really needed our halftime break to get re-focused, and we did just that. We came out more poised in the second half and played some good defense."
Lawson said despite being down by 11 points going into the fourth quarter, he still felt the Lady Pintos had a shot at the win. "We were down by six with one minute left to play and we continued to battle our way back. With under 30 seconds left, Halle Oliver got an offensive rebound, made the shot and got fouled. That tied the game at 26-26. Halle went on to give the Lady Pintos their only lead of the game with the free throw she made. Our girls really stepped up and knocked down some key free throws in the fourth quarter. Elizabeth Lutz was 5-5 from the line, Taylor Geiser was 2/2 and Halle Oliver 1/1. I'm really proud of the girls, they fought until the end and showed a lot of Pinto pride and poise."
Lutz led California with 17 points and was 7-7 at the free-throw line. Oliver followed with four points and Geiser and Jessica Reynolds each scored three.
Following the win against Blair Oaks, California hosted Warsaw Thursday, where the Lady Pintos captured yet another win, 44-5.
"This was another team victory,: Lawson said. "We played good defense in the first half, allowing Warsaw just two points."
California led 13-2 after one quarter, 24-2 at the half and 34-5 after three quarters.
"The whole team contributed in many ways," Lawson said. "I'm proud of the girls for coming out and being pretty focused after a big come-from-behind win at Blair Oaks."
Lutz led California with 12 points, followed by Morgan Heather with eight and Reynolds with six.
The seventh grade Lady Pintos will host St. Peter and Paul Catholic at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 11.