The JV California Pintos girls team defeated the Blair Oaks Falcons 39-31 as the team played its final game Feb. 20 at home.
California won the tip but struggled offensively early. Their defense and hustle was there but still was not enough to keep Blair Oaks from taking a 9-6 lead by the end of the first quarter.
Lilli Eichelberger got in foul trouble early, earning three fouls. Head coach Jesse Brown was forced to sub her out of the game early.
"Lilli is such an energetic player and gives us so much offensively and defensively just with her presence alone," Brown said. "In these situations, we go down the line and see who is ready to step up and take over her role. Tonight, it was a little bit of Sheridan (Newman), Libby (Ash) and Kaylena (Riggs)."
Starting the second quarter, Trishelle Porter could not be stopped from hitting two three-pointers in a row, then two more. She scored nine of California's 14 points in the quarter.
California's defense still stayed strong, holding Blair Oaks to only six points in the second. California took the halftime lead 20-15.
In the second half, Blair Oaks still had no answer for California's lockdown defense. The Falcons only scored five points in the quarter.
California showed no signs of slowing down, with baskets from players all around. The score at the end of the third quarter had California with the lead at 32-20.
Blair Oaks showed a fight at the end of the fourth quarter as it seemed the Falcons finally found their offensive rhythm, having their highest scoring quarter of the game. It was too little too late, as the clock was the real enemy for the Falcons. The final buzzer went off as Blair Oaks chucked up their final shot, leaving the final score 39-31 Pintos.