Lady Trojans upend West Greene, 51-37
Darnell Graham
The Lady Trojans’ Dominique Gaston (22) maintains control of the basketball as she dribbles through West Greene’s Madison Lampe (21) and Marissa Rode (11) during Tuesday’s non-section game at California High School.
Darnell Graham
California’s Kylie Trusler (14) and West Greene’s Bri Goodwin (23) battle for control of the ball under the hoop during Tuesday’s non-section game at California Area High School. Darnell Graham
Darnell Graham
West Greene’s Madison Lampe (21) finds an opening around the Lady Trojans’ Love’ Porter (4) during non-section action at California High School.
CALIFORNIA — California downed West Greene in a girls non-section game Tuesday night in a game where both team’s strengths were challenged.
The game pitted West Greene’s patented full-court press, while California is known offensively for its ball handling.
Thanks in part to Jenna Miller’s ball-handling skills and California’s stingy defense, the hosts pulled away for a 51-37 win.
“Defense was the key,” said California coach Chris Minerd, who reached his 100th-career win as a head coach. “They average 65 points a game and I am very happy with our defense tonight.”
Prior to this game, West Greene had not scored less than 50 points in a game this season.
“Our press gives teams fits, but it didn’t today,” said West Greene coach Jordan Watson. “We have to score to set up the press, but we didn’t score like we usually do and give Cal credit for making us shoot bad shots.”
West Greene’s full-court press bothered California early as the Lady Trojans (12-1) turned it over on their first possession, but they stepped up the defense and limited West Greene’s press chances by holding it to a pair of baskets in the first quarter and one in the third.
“We helped our press break by playing solid defense,” Minerd said. “They couldn’t set it up if they weren’t scoring and our girls played solid defense.”
West Greene (9-2) scored baskets on two if its first three possessions of the game, but did not score another basket until McKenna Lampe scored on a steal and layup with 7:07 to play in the first half.
The basket ended a 13-0 California run that carried over from the first quarter into the second.
West Greene went on a 5-0 run late in the first half, but California held a 24-18 lead heading into the third quarter.
California opened the second half on an 8-2 run to take control of the game with a 32-20 lead, and it extended its lead to 37-23 after the third quarter.
The outcome was never in doubt in the fourth quarter. For the game, California held West Greene to 12 field goals, including two in the last minute of the game.
Bailey Vig paced California with 15 points, with Jenna Miller (11) and Dominique Gaston (10) also hitting double figures.
Miller added eight assists and six rebounds while nullifying the West Greene pressure.
“She did a great job as the floor general,” Minerd said of his four-year point guard. “I wish she would shoot more and she passed up easy shots, but she is getting better at it and played well tonight.”
Watson complimented Miller, saying with a laugh, “I am glad she is graduating. They were in our section the last three years and she is tough.
“Our press rattles people, but not her as she is smooth and makes things happen.”
Madison Lampe led West Greene with 10 points, and Watson commented how California limited Lampe, her sister McKenna, and Kaitlyn Rizor.
“The three of them are averaging 52 points per game, combined,” he said. “But tonight they had 26.
“That is the difference between having one senior, no juniors, and all sophomores like we do and a veteran team like California has.”
After praising his team, Minerd finally reflected on his 100th win, albeit reluctantly.
“It’s not about me, but I will enjoy this,” he said. “It is something that I never imagined. I’m proud of this and thank all of the coaches and players during my time here.”
Both teams return to their respective section for games Thursday as West Greene heads to Geibel in a 2-A contest, while California heads to Bentworth for a 3-AA game.