Lady Pintos scratch Lady Wildcats 60-21

California sophomore Morgan Henley puts up a shot during the varsity game against Warsaw Thursday at the high school. The Lady Pintos won 60-21. The JV also won their two-quarter game 26-12.
California sophomore Morgan Henley puts up a shot during the varsity game against Warsaw Thursday at the high school. The Lady Pintos won 60-21. The JV also won their two-quarter game 26-12.

The California Lady Pintos hosted Warsaw Thursday night, where they defeated the Lady Wildcats 60-21.

"The girls did a great job tonight and took care of business," California Coach Bobby Sangster said. "We've got a rough patch coming up against some pretty quality opponents, and if we don't come out with a lot of energy, it's going to get ugly in a hurry. I think the girls have turned a corner in understanding what type of energy it takes to win in March, and that's what we're looking for from day one, winning ball games in March."

The Lady Pintos led 17-9 after one quarter, 31-16 at the half, and 48-20 after three quarters. California outscored Warsaw 12-1 in the final frame.

Deeken led the Lady Pintos with 29 points. Roush scored seven points, while Meleigha Caudel and Ashtyn Goans each chipped in with six.

"I'm totally proud of the girls," Sangster added. "We just want to keep getting better."

Warsaw was led by Jessica Blankinship with six points.

California's JV defeated Warsaw in a two-quarter game, 26-12.

During halftime of the varsity game, the following senior athletes were recognized for signing letters of intent so far this school year: Logan Rowles, Dakota Harris, Elle Hamilton, Lizzy Kirby and Tyler Silvey.

The Lady Pintos traveled to Dixon Saturday, where they suffered a 61-40 loss to the Lady Bulldogs.

Prior to the game at Dixon, Sangster said, "Dixon is one tough ball club this year. Last year they were up by 10 going into the fourth quarter and we were able to come back and take the win. That run to quarterfinals almost didn't happen for us because of this Dixon team, and they lost nobody off of last year's team. We stole that game from them and they were shooting lights out. If they come out and shoot that well against us this time, it's going to be a long night."

In Saturday's contest, Dixon led 20-14 after the first quarter, 29-18 at the half, and 42-28 after three quarters.

"It was a rough one tonight," Sangster said. "We weren't able to execute the way we drew it up. Dixon was very physical and pushed us around a little bit. Everybody came into this game with the attitude of giving their best effort, and it was definitely our best effort, but it probably wasn't our best execution. That falls on the coaching staff, that falls on me. I've got to get the girls ready to go. A long way to go and a very short time to get there."

Roush led California with 13 points. Deeken followed with eight, while Caitlin Meyer chipped in with seven points.

Dixon was led by Hunter Yoakum with 24 points.

Previously, the Lady Pintos traveled to Mexico Feb. 5, where they captured a 59-40 win after leading 34-21 at the half.

Deeken led California with 23 points, followed by Kamryn Koetting with 11, while Roush added 10.

Mexico (12-8) was led by Brooke Costley with 16 points.

California's JV defeated Mexico 31-23.

California hosted Osage Tuesday, Feb. 12, however, results were not available at press time.

The Lady Pintos will travel to Wardsville Thursday, Feb. 14, for their final games of the season,

against Blair Oaks. The freshman game will begin at 5 p.m., with the JV and varsity games to follow, respectively.

California (18-5) will participate in the Class 3 District 8 Tournament Feb. 18-22 at Ashland. The #2 seeded Lady Pintos will play #7 seeded Eugene at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 18.