The California Pintos girls team (17-5) lost a tough game Feb. 9 to the Boonville Pirates (19-2), 79-58.
Unlike the last time the two teams faced each other, when the Pirates won vs. the Pintos 45-30 on Feb. 2, this game had more offense for both sides.
In the first quarter, the Pintos found themselves down 8 points with the score 22-14. In the second quarter, the Pintos trailed by 11 points at 36-25 with just over two minutes left in the first half.
But California made it a single-digit Pirates' lead, thanks to some free throws late in the half. The Pintos went 5-6 from the free-throw line in the second quarter and cut the lead down to six points by halftime, with Boonville leading 41-35. The Pintos went 9-15 from the free-throw line in the first half.
The last time the two teams played, California had trouble with Boonville's pressure defense. This game, the Pintos were able to better move the ball against the Pirates' defense. Head coach Bobby Sangster said the team adjusted their press breaker in this game.
"The girls did a better job of not dribbling into traps," Sangster said.
California knocked the lead down to 4 points at 41-37 early in the third quarter. But Boonville's offense came in for the Pirates as they slowly started to pull away from the Pintos. With just under four minutes left, the Pirates led California 53-40. The Pintos chipped away and got the lead back down to 10 points. But every time the Pintos scored, the Pirates answered with points of their own to keep it a double-digit lead. At the end of the quarter, Boonville led California 63-49.
Early in the fourth quarter, Boonville led by 15 points with the score at 65-50. California tried to cut into the lead once again, but soon found themselves down 69-53 with under six minutes left to play in the game. Boonville outscored California 16-9 in the final quarter.
Gracie George scored a team-high 19 points, Tristan Porter scored 11, and Makayla Schanzmeyer added 10.
The 3-pointer was a big reason for Boonville's success, as they made 11 3-pointers in the game. The Pintos made six. California went 14-22 from the free throw line in the game.
Sangster said Boonville just hit shots and executed their offense.
"There really wasn't much to it. They hit everything, they hit all game long," Sangster said. "We know they are explosive and when they have that night, they are really tough to beat."