Friday, Jan. 27, 2012

Los Banos girls basketball too much for young Pacheco

Los Banos High defense dominates in 47-7 rout

Los Banos High's 47-7 girls basketball victory over crosstown rival Pacheco gave the Tigers an opportunity to test some of the players who don't usually see the floor much.

And those players responded, with Tiffany Liu scoring a game-high 10 points, followed by Alyssa Luna and Morgan Hurley with 7 each.

"I think they needed some playing time, so it was the perfect opportunity," LB coach Danny Crosby said. "And they did well."

LB's defense kept Pacheco away from the basket most of the evening, but guard Sam Rodriguez led the Panthers with 5 points.

"All of my girls stepped up in their intensity," Pacheco coach Kelly Welch said. "My post, Rachel Geist, did exactly what I instructed her to do -- which was a very nice reward for a coach, that what you said, they heard and they complied."

The Tigers (14-7, 4-2 Western Athletic Conference) needed the confidence boost, said Crosby, after dropping further in the WAC following a 46-42 loss at the hands of Central Valley the week before.

"Hopefully we can turn the corner in the second half," Crosby said. "We just have to get in control of our own destiny now."

LB played without post player Michelle Gonzalez, who left the team last week to focus on her travel volleyball team.

Pacheco is still searching for its first league victory.

"I'm really happy with the way the girls played," Welch said. "I felt Danny did a great job coaching. He was very fair, and I have a lot of respect for him.

"It's a struggle, but hey, we're building. You have to start somewhere."