California High School girls basketball cruised their way to a 54-35 victory over their conference rival, the Southern Boone Lady Eagles.
The California Lady Pintos hosted the Southern Boone in a Tri County Conference showdown on Dec. 12. The Lady Eagles had won their last seven games against the Lady Pintos, including the Class 4 District 9 championship game last March. Southern Boone also finished fourth place in the Class 4 State Tournament last season.
The Lady Pintos had to play short-handed as guard Hailey Rademan was injured with a broken hand. California head coach Kevin Carr put Penelope Cotten into the starting lineup in Rademan's place.
California's defense found themselves in trouble on the game's opening possession. Southern Boone pulled down four offensive rebounds in the possession and hit the game's first shot, a two-point jumpshot by senior guard Chloe Bukowsky. However, the Lady Pintos used their defense to score nine straight points to go ahead 11-4.
California led 13-10 at the end of the first quarter.
In the second quarter, California's offense shared the ball on offense, allowing four players to score at least five points in the first half while their defense only allowed one basket in the second quarter. The Lady Pintos broke the game open and led 12 points at halftime.
California kept up the pace in the second half with Kierstyn Lawson and Ella Bailey leading the way. California's defense shined again in the third quarter by holding Southern Boone to only four points in the quarter, all from the foul line. Leading by as many as 21 points in the second half, the Lady Pintos claimed a 54-35 victory.
California shot 40 percent from the field (22-55), 21 percent from the three-point line (5-24) and 45 percent from the foul line (5-11).
Lawson led California with 16 points, four assists, two steals and two rebounds. Bailey had 13 points and seven rebounds. Senior forward Isabelle Rohrbach had nine points, four rebounds and an assist.
Southern Boone shot 24 percent from the field (11-46), 14 percent from the three-point line (3-210 and 71 percent from the foul line (10-14).
Bukowsky led Southern Boone with 15 points, six rebounds and two steals. Sophomore forward Gracie Britton had six points and seven rebounds. Junior guard Adisen Wren had five rounds and three rebounds.
Carr explained that he did not tell his team about the losing streak to Southern Boone to keep his players focused on last Tuesday's game. Carr was pleased with the way his team came back from back-to-back losses to play one of their best overall games of the early season.
"I thought the girls played well. They were ready for this game and they were excited. So it was a big win for them, especially for the seniors who haven't experienced that yet in their careers. I thought all of our girls came back after a couple of rough games, a couple of losses. Adversity helps teams win down the road. So going through, losing two games like that, having a big win at home and going to a neutral site on Saturday, those are things that are going to help us come late January, February and into districts. So stay tuned," Carr said.
On Saturday at the 48 Hours of Basketball Shootout in Springfield, the Lady Pintos were defeated 73-24 by West Plains. The team's record is now 5-3.
California will return to action on Dec. 30 at the Moberly Shootout against Northeast (Cairo).
(Democrat photo/Evan Holmes)
Ella Bailey scored 13 points and pulled down seven rebounds in California's victory over the Southern Boone Lady Eagles.
(Democrat photo/Evan Holmes)
California's defense held the Southern Boone Lady Eagles to a season-low 35 points on Dec. 12.
(Democrat photo/Evan Holmes)
Senior forward Ella Bailey hits a jump shot from the left baseline to open up the second half. Bailey shot 6-11 from the field on Dec. 12.
(Democrat photo/Evan Holmes)
Penelope Cotten replaced Hailey Rademan in California's starting lineup in their win over Southern Boone.
(Democrat photo/Evan Holmes)
Lady Pintos head coach Kevin Carr has coached the Pintos to a 5-2 record in their first seven games.