GIRLS’ BASKETBALL, 2009-10, PART I
The girls’ basketball sport shorts are divided into two parts. Go to the Girls’ basketball sport shorts, 2009-10, Part II, for games beginning in January 2010.
(Latest girls’ basketball shorts will be at the top of the section. Scroll down to check out past results. Tournament games do not count toward win/loss record. Visit the Sports Section for girls’ basketball features.)
Be sure to visit the 2009-10 girls’ basketball schedule and the Eagles’ home page or FC’s roster page, or check out Maxpreps.com. FC plays in the West Sequoia League. All player stats unofficial as the sports stats. Book remains unavailable to reporters.
GIRLS’ BASKETBALL, 2009-10, PART I
10th ANNUAL WEST COAST JAMBOREE, Dec. 28-30
FC CAPTURES THIRD AT JAMBOREE, DEFEATS LE GRAND, 56-54, Dec. 30
After a lackluster performance a day before, the Eagles regrouped and won a thrilling 56-54 game against Le Grand, earning third place in the 10th Annual West Coast Jamboree’s Pearl Division, Dec. 30.
With the game tied at 54 and 40 seconds left, head coach Josh Tosland called a time-out to draw up a play. Tosland said he had a number of options for one of his top players but chose to run a play for senior Paige Maltos who later scored a field goal from just in front of the basket with 30 seconds remaining in the contest.
Le Grand set up senior guard Miranda Flores for a game-tying shot with 18 seconds left but it fell off the rim. And as the Eagles came up with the rebound, all they had to do was run out the clock.
“All we had to do was keep our dribble alive and not turn it over and we should have run out the clock,” Tosland said. “We did that for the first 10 seconds and then turned the ball over. The worst thing we could have done.”
After a Le Grand time-out, Tosland told his team to keep the opposition in front of them and not to let them get by. The Bulldogs raced down the court to the key, but their pull up jumper was blocked by Maltos. A last-second three-pointer bounced off the rim as the clock expired.
Maltos was mobbed by her teammates as they celebrated their third top-three tournament finish this season. She also was selected to the All-Tournament team and Tosland called her the difference maker for the Eagles.
“Paige did a great job of overcoming some internal doubts about what she could do for the team and went out there and did her best,” Tosland said. “She showed some mental toughness throughout the game and really was there for us when needed.”
Maltos finished the game with 23 points and 19 rebounds. Her tournament totals were 39 points and 41 rebounds despite a poor showing against Cloverdale.
FC and Le Grand started the game running and finished the first quarter tied at 14. Neither team had a substantial lead after the 3-minute mark of the first quarter. Le Grand’s senior Miranda Flores made 5 three-pointers in the first half alone and finished with a game-high 30 points. Despite Flores’ efforts, the Eagles led, 26-25, at the half.
“In the last game of the tournament our team felt each person contributed some thing,” Michele Graham, ’11, said. “It was a close game so we were really excited to win. After the tournament I felt that the team had a stronger bond because of the excitement of the win.”
The teams traded baskets throughout the second half but the Bulldogs led, 43-42, at the end of the third quarter. However, junior guard Ashlyn White proved she could score as well as be the quarterback of the Eagle offense. She finished with 14 points and 8 rebounds while distributing the ball around to teammates. She finished the tournament with 24 points and 28 rebounds.
“The coaching staff was very proud of the way our team recognized how to implement our game and team goals into a game,” Tosland said. “We have a lot of things to look at such as giving 100%, finishing opportunities, playing with no fear, and playing for God among others. That to us coaches, is far greater to see than anything else. That is what we are proud of most.”
Point guard against Cloverdale, junior Bridget Teixeira added 6 points and finished the tournament with 28 points. Sophomore Nicole Hensley scored 5 points while senior Tatiana Fontes had 4 points. Fontes finished the tournament with 18 points and 22 rebounds. Senior Chelsea Shuman, point leader against Hogan, finished the tournament with 19 points and scored 3 against Le Grand.
All games in the Pearl Division were hosted by Cornerstone Christian High School in Antioch, CA.
The Eagles will break until Jan. 13 when they will host Sierra High from Tollhouse, CA.
CLOVERDALE EAGLES NIP FC, 43-39, Dec. 29
With a berth in the finals on the line, the Eagles could not maintain their intensity and first half lead and fell to Cloverdale, 43-39, Dec. 29 Despite having a rooter section and strong showing, this day proved to be the Jekel and Hyde game of the Pearl Division.
FC led at the half, 28-15, and a spot in the West Coast Jamboree seemed certain. However, after shooting 40 percent in the first half, FC’s team play and accuracy disappeared. Cloverdale took over the game in the second half as FC only shot 11 percent from the field, a season low.
Head coach Josh Tosland shook his head as he described the turn of events after the game.
“While some of turnaround was due to the other team,” Tosland said, “most of it was our poor decision-making. Some of our players forget they are actually part of the players on the floor until it is too late.”
What had become a potent offense in recent games, was stymied by a Cloverdale team who rallied and gelled after FC’s slow second half.
“I felt that our team could have done better this game,” Chantelle Brown ’13, said. “We lost our focus and didn’t listen to the coaches as well as we should have in the second half.”
FC’s top scoring trio did not include senior center Paige Maltos (4 points). Junior Bridget Teixeira (10 points) led the Eagles while junior Ashlyn White had 8 points and senior Tatiana Fontes had 7 points.
“With a veteran crew these things usually don’t happen,” Tosland said. “We basically choked when a little pressure was put on us.”
FC will play Le Grand for third place in the tournament, Dec. 30, at 5:30 p.m.
HOGAN NO MATCH FOR FC, EAGLES DEFEAT SPARTANS, 59-27, Dec. 28
A tightly contested opening quarter disintegrated into a offensive display and the Eagles ran away with an opening round win at the West Coast Jamboree.
After a 11-11 first quarter lead, the Eagles used balanced scoring and a fast break to overwhelm Hogan from Vallejo, CA, defeating the Spartans, 59-27, Dec. 28.
Seniors Chelsea Schuman (13 points) and Paige Maltos (12 points) and junior Bridget Teixeira (12 points) led the Eagles’ unrelenting attack, putting the game away in the third quarter. FC outscored Hogan, 18-6, after only leading 25-20 at the half.
“The game Hogan was a great way to start off the West Coast Jamboree,” said Nicole Hensley, ’12. “It was a fairly easy game in which we were able to put what we’ve learned at practice into a game. I think it was a great confidence starter, which is what we needed to have throughout the tournament.”
Coach Josh Tosland cited parent and rooter support and a change in attitude that got the Eagles rolling in the third.
“We were able to get going in the third period with parents and a team effort,” Tosland said . “We made better play selection and shot 50 percent for the game without using the three-point shot.”
The fourth quarter proved much the same as the Spartans simply could not keep up with the Eagles’ balanced scoring. Ten FC players posted points, including senior Tatiana Fontes (7 points), Hensley (6 points) and junior Michele Graham (4 points). FC outscored Hogan 17-3 in the final frame.
“We played physical and really shut them down in the second half,” Tosland said. “They had very few second chance opportunities. When everybody contributes a little, we are hard to beat.”
Please return for more information on this and upcoming games. FC will next take on Cloverdale High, Dec. 29, at 5:30 p.m. Cloverdale defeated Capital Christian (Sacramento), 53-48, Dec. 28.
WEST COAST JAMBOREE PEARL DIVISION, Dec. 28-31
The West Coast Jamboree is the largest girls’ basketball tournament on the West Coast. This year 136 teams will play in 13 brackets. FC will play in the Pearl Division against eight teams and is hosted by Cornerstone Christian High School in Antioch, CA.
According to Clay Kallam and Harold Abend of ESPN RISE on the tournament’s Web site, “Capital Christian is a perennial Division V power in the Sac-Joaquin Section, and so far, there?s no reason to expect any drop-off.
“Juniors Brea Faulk and Coryn Galloway take care of business in the paint, but the first-round matchup against Cloverdale is not going to be a picnic. Hillcrest Christian from Granada Hills is also a threat, and Lassen wouldn?t have made the long trip from Susanville without expectations of a couple wins.”
FC’s game against Hogan will tip-off at 11:30 a.m. The winner of the Hogan/FC game will play the winner of Cloverdale/Capital Christian game the next day at 5:30 p.m.
FRESNO PACIFIC UNIVERSITY TOURNAMENT, Dec. 16-19
EAGLES CLOSE OUT TOURNAMENT WITH 3RD PLACE FINISH
FONTES RETURNS, ALL-TOURNAMENT AWARDS HENSLEY SPOT AS EAGLES BEAT SUNNYSIDE
Game opening struggles continue as both teams’ sluggish starts marked the final game of the FPU Tournament for the Eagles. However, a couple of FC highlight reel shots closed out Sunnyside, 46-36, and earning the Eagles a 3rd place finish, Dec. 19.
The Eagle focus on defense made the difference in this game. Despite missed opportunities in the offensive zone they overcame their sluggish start and turned a sleeper into a controlled win in the 4th.
“We started off slow again but so did they,” coach Josh Tosland said. “Our defense kept us in the game by itself as they (Wildcats) didn’t really get very many good scoring chances.”
The Eagles led, 7-6, after the first quarter but both teams had trouble creating offensive opportunities. Both seemed to lack focus and missed shots bogged the game down. However, both teams seemed to click in the 2nd quarter as the pace quickened.
Sunnyside wanted to run the ball and the Eagles countered. Junior Michele Graham stepped up to give the Eagles starters a rest during both halves, scoring a key free throw. Her defensive play caught the coach’s attention.
“Michele gave us some good quality minutes defensively helping to stop Sunnyside’s speed,” Tosland said. “Nice to see the whole team perform well today.”
Sophomore Nicole Hensley, whose skill, leadership and point totals came of age in the tournament, led the charge against Sunnyside. Hensley scored 11 against the Wildcats. However, neither team could pull away and the Eagles held a slim one-point, 19-18, lead at the half.
“We too struggled at executing our offense, but we didn’t turn the ball over as much as some previous games,” Tosland said. “With more possessions we not only were able to take more shots, but also made the other team work a little harder on defense.”
Throughout the tournament, the Eagles lacked game-changing play on both sides of the ball. But FC the FC offense clicked with smart defensive stops and show-stopping shots behind the arc in the 4th quarter.
“We really haven’t had too many big shots to give us the lead or to give us some breathing room until today,” Tosland said. “Two threes late in the fourth quarter really took the wind out of the Wildcat sails. Nicole Hensley and Bridget Teixeira shot in rhythm without hesitation and gave us the room we needed.”
Teixeira broke out of a shooting slump, scoring 9 points as the Eagles moved the ball in an offensive show in the 4th. The balanced attack included Tatiana Fontes’ return from injury. Fontes scored a game-high 13 points.
“Tatiana came in today not at 100 percent but was a great leader on the floor and really played under control,” Tosland said. “We had a size advantage today and Tatiana came up big for us.”
The Eagles dominated the last half of the 4th quarter, outscoring Sunnyside, 20-11, to close out the tournament. But the attack was predicated on team play and junior Ashlyn White also earned the coach’s praise. White finished the game with 10 points but her worth to the team is more that points alone.
“Ashlyn has been great for us as well,” Tosland said. “She is elevating her game and helping out in multiple areas on the floor. Ashlyn creates some mismatches for those who guards her and is taking advantage of them.”
Despite FC’s 2-2 tournament record, Hensley was named to the All-Tournament team.
“She was very consistent through all four games even when we struggled offensively,” Tosland said. “She kept us in games with big shots and made some great passes to open teammates.”
The Edison Tigers defeated El Diamante in the championship game, 56-27, to win the FPU Tournament.
The team will take time off for Christmas and then play in the West Coast Jamboree in Antioch, CA. This is the largest girls’ basketball tournament on the West Coast. The Eagles will open against the Hogan Spartans from Vallejo, CA, Dec. 28.
4th QUARTER POWERS WASHINGTON UNION PAST EAGLES, Dec. 18
Despite leading for most of the game, the Eagles let their third game of the FPU Tournament slip away. Led by Lexi Blue’s 13 points, Washington Union beat the Eagles, 45-43, in a dramatic came-from-behind win, Dec. 18.
Throughout the first three quarters, the two teams traded baskets but FC managed to outscore the Panthers each time and their lead grew until the deciding 4th.
Led by junior Ashlyn White’s 15 points, the Eagles pressured and ran with Washington Union. FC led 15-12 after the first. Sophomores (guard) Nicole Hensley (13 points) and forward Chantelle Brown (9 points) provided secondary scoring for an Eagle team rebounding from a mediocre performance last time out. FC seemed in control and led 26-19 at the half.
“We got down by too much early in the game,” coach Josh Tosland said. “We clawed our way back into in the second with some defensive adjustments. By halftime we felt like we were in a position to stay in the game if we could establish a few things starting the third period.”
Even when the Panthers tightened their defense in the third, the Eagles still outscored them, 11-10, and seemed set to win their second game of the tournament. However, with senior Tatiana Fontes unable to play because of an injury, the Eagles were unable to sustain their play.
“We gave a lot of physical effort but were making poor decisions with the ball,” Tosland said. “Turnovers have really killed us so far this year. Some adjustments are being made to limit mistakes rather than finding production.”
However, their 37-29 early 4th quarter lead dissolved and turnovers continue to plague the Eagles. The Panther’s balanced scoring from senior guard Mary Aphay (8), sophomore guards Samantha Mendoza (7), Latique Walton (7) and Anyssa Taylor (6) took advantage of quick transitions that proved enough to clip the Eagles in the final minutes.
“It kind of puts us in a defensive position,” Tosland said. “It is hard to get things going when you are worried about turning the ball over. In the end, we had a hard time keeping them off the boards, contributing to many 2nd and 3rd chance opportunities. We are a work in progress.”
EL DIAMANTE USES STRONG 3ND QUARTER TO DOWN EAGLES, Dec. 17
Despite a strong first quarter start, the Eagles could not keep up with a determined Miner team the rest of the way and lost to El Diamante, 40-28, in the second game of the FPU Tournament, Dec. 17.
FC’s first quarter start seemed to overwhelm the Miners who were fortunate to only be down 11-3. After the break, El Diamante changed their tact in the second, outscoring the Eagles, 10-2, and the teams were tied at the half. This was the closest FC would get and were out run and out gunned, 26-15, the rest of the way.
“We started the game great with an 11-3 leads and then we stopped playing,” coach Josh Tosland said. “They made a little adjustment to what we were doing, but I think it was more of our lack of execution.”
Juniors Ashlyn White and Bridget Teixeria both agreed that the Eagles just did not show up in the second half. They felt they lacked energy and were not aggressive on offense. Coach Tosland agreed with his players.
“The girls played decent defense, but on the offensive side, we looked very poor,” Tosland said. “We need to be mentally ready at all times; it seemed like we were somewhere else the whole second half.”
Even top sophomore Nicole Hensley (10 points) and White’s 7 points could no balance out El Diamonte’s top scorer: Kendra Snowden (22 points).
“We were spectators of the game, not participants,” Tosland said. “Our top scorers (Nicole and Ashlyn) and the rest had 4 four points or less. This was poor performance to say the least.”
The loss evened FC’s FPU Tournament record to 1-1 record.
“I think were growing on how to play together as a team, and last night’s game proved that no one can do it by themselves,” junior Michele Graham said. “We need each one of our players, and trust one another.”
FC PRESSURE PLAY DOWNS PATRIOTS, Dec. 16
The Eagles came out running and pressuring, jumping out to a 9-3 first quarter lead against Hoover and defeated the Patriots, 41-35, in the opening game of the FPU Tournament, Dec. 16. With the win, FC evened their season record to 4-4.
With finals on the minds of players and coaches on both sides of the ball, Eagle players talked about the stress just before the Christmas break.
“Despite being exhausted with finals we left that at the door of the gym and brought everything we had on the court,” senior Tatiana Fontes said. “We inspired each other with our hard-work and smart play and turned out successful.
The pace slowed in the second quarter and the Patriots closed the gap, outscoring the Eagles by three. However, the Eagles still led, 20-17, despite only having seven players to rotate into the game.
“The girls played well defensively holding them to under 40 points,” coach Josh Tosland said. “We had to make some adjustments to stop the (Miyah) Rollins girl, but after that we controlled the game.”
It was the third quarter that changed the game. FC was able to run its fast break and return to a pressure defense, outscoring Hoover, 11-6, and control of the game.
“This game was a fast pace game, and our team communicated and worked together better than usual,” sophomore Nicole Hensley said. “Even though we gave up shots, we came back out to shut out Hoover’s 3-point shooter.”
The Fresno Bee recognized Nicole Hensley, ’12, and Fontes in their sports highlights, Dec. 17. Hensley scored 14 and Fontes 13 to offset Hoover’s Rollin’s 17 points. Junior Ashlyn White rounded out FC’s top three with 8 points.
“Nicole had another good game coming up with a big three late in the game that kind of took the wind out of their sails,” Tosland said. “Bridget (Teixeira) also made a great pass on a back door cut by Nicole who finished the layup after a timeout which also increased our lead.”
The Eagles will next take on El Diamante, Dec. 17. The Miners defeated Washington Union in their last game.
KERMAN ROTARY TOURNAMENT, Dec. 8-10
EAGLES BEND, DEFEAT MADERA SOUTH FOR 3RD PLACE, Dec. 10
In their closest game of the season so far, a stolen pass leading to fast-break layup and a foul shot point in the final 15 seconds, gave FC a third place finish at the Kerman Rotary Tournament.
Madera South had a chance to tie the game in the closing seconds but the Eagles bottled up the middle and beat the Stallions, 52-50, Dec. 10.
“The game was a fast paced game with many opportunities to score for both teams,” coach Josh Tosland said. “Unfortunately, both teams struggled to finish some shots. It was a one-point game at halftime with us leading, 25-24, and the game ended the same way.”
The Eagles were led by junior Ashyln White (17 points), senior Chelsea Shuman (11 points) and sophomore Nicole Hensley (10 points). Junior Michele Graham rounded out the top scorers with 9 points in a balanced Eagle attack.
Despite their 2-2 record in the Kerman Tournament, White was named to the All-Tournament team.
“Ashlyn is a consistent player and her attitude is encouraging to her teammates,” senior Tatiana Fontes said. “She always strives to play her best and was very deserving of this recognition. Her ability to go after rebounds and score points in key situations helped turn our games around.”
White was named to the All-tournament team by the host coaches but was signaled out by her coach after the third place trophy team photo.
“The reason she was named to the All-Tournament team by the Kerman staff was because she led our team with points,” Tosland said. “I would have chosen her based on her other things: hustle, leadership and her strength of defensive assignments.”
White credits the award to her team’s support and God’s blessings.
“It’s an honor to get this award, but I know that without God and the girls on the team working hard everyday, nothing is possible,” White said. “They encourage me and push me to become better.”
The teams battled evenly in the first half but the FC ran away early in the third to take a 33-24 lead.
“Coming out in the third quarter has usually been a slow spot for us but not tonight as we went on a 8-0 run,” Tosland said, “But it didn’t last. They returned the favor and made their own 8-0 run.”
After an Eagle timeout, the teams returned to a point for point game, both making defensive stops and scoring baskets on drives to the basket.
“After a timeout, we regrouped and battled from there on out as the score went back and forth,” Tosland said. “Down by three with two minutes left, we had a timeout where we set up a play for Nicole and all the girls did their job correctly as she put it in to get us within one point at 49-48.”
Both teams turned the ball over repetitively throughout the last part of the fourth quarter. However, it was after senior Da Eun Sunwoo took a foul charge, earning a change of possession, that FC’s tide began to turn.
The momentum swung the Eagles’ way and a basket by Hensley put the team up for good. A few seconds later, White made a pass to junior Bridget Teixeira who drew a foul call in the paint.
“With the lead by one, we had the ball with 15 seconds to go and Ashlyn came up big again,” Tosland said. “She caught the inbounds pass and made a tough pass out of a trap back to Bridget who had a wide open shot but was fouled going up. She made one of the free throws and we stopped Madera’s last shot to win by two 52-50.”
After opening the tournament with a loss, the Eagles got the job done down the stretch vs. the Stallions. They finished 2-1 in the tournament, earning 3rd place.
“We have had a rough start this season but, have improved a lot,” Sunwoo said. “We noticed our faults and focused on getting better. I think we deserved 3rd, but in future tournaments we will do even better.”
FC DEFEATS KERMAN, HOST OVERWHELMED, Dec. 9
In their second game of the Kerman Rotary Tournament, the Eagles thoroughly defeated the host Lions, 46-28, Dec. 9. With the win, FC earned a spot in the third place game against Madera South, Dec. 10.
“We will have a tough time tomorrow night trying to earn third place,” head coach Josh Tosland said. “(Sophomore) Nicole (Hensley) played great defense tonight, which really helped her team get some offensive production. She was by far the difference maker.”
Hensley led the Eagles with 16 points, quarterbacking an Eagle attack which has had different leading scorers nearly every game this season.
FC led from the outset, outscoring Kerman, 13-5, in the opening quarter and led 24-17 by the half. Senior Tatiana Fontes continued her double digit scoring as she had 12 points, and junior Ashlyn White added 9.
The Eagles pressed the Lions in the third, outscoring Kerman 9-3 to take a commanding, 33-20, into the fourth quarter.
“We played a team that was struggling,” Tosland said. “We had numerous opportunities to increase our lead and just didn’t finish. We were never in trouble of losing the game, but the score doesn’t say everything. Foul trouble, slow feet, and bad judgment are all still hurting us.”
The team score book was not made available to reporters and may not be for the season. As a result, no official scoring will be reported for this game.
“As far as stats go, the team has decided on a team approach is our goal for this year,” Tosland said.”It is to not be individually focused on stats. We are not going to be tracking stats publicly this season.”
HIGHLANDERS OVERPOWER EAGLES, Dec. 8
After receiving 7th place in the Clovis High Classic Invitational last week, the Eagles hoped to place higher in the Kerman Rotary Tournament. However, losing to McLane High, 41-66, Dec. 8, hurt their chances.
“Today was our weakest performance to date, ” head coach Josh Tosland said. “The girls knew it. We played very poorly as a team. He also feels that not only can the players improve, but also the coaching staff.”
Tosland gave various reasons for the loss.
“We are struggling with turnovers, hustle, chemistry and attitude,” Tosland said. “They are all things we need to work on. As coaches we are going to lace up our shoes and come prepared and ready to work as well. We need to be better too.”
Junior Ashlyn White and senior Chelsea Shuman were not only top Eagle scorers, but top rebounders. Shuman’s 8 points and 8 rebounds were second to White’s 13 points, 7 rebounds. Junior Bridget Teixeira rounded out the Eagle top three with 7 points and 1 rebound.
Sophomore Nicole Hensley (3 points, 3 rebounds) credited the Highlander’s offense to the Eagle’s loss of focus, but says they became better prepared for future games.
“Although losing against McLane was tough, I think that we learned some important lessons,” Hensley said. “We learned how to keep pushing and fighting until the end of the game despite a team’s tough offense.”
A number of Eagles said they want to focus on moving forward and becoming better each game. They realize their weakness and will turn their attention on improving for league play.
“The girls are starting to realize this and are working through this together,” Tosland said. “It is what all teams must go through at one point or another. ‘We before me and, more of you and less of I.’ If we don’t start putting this into action, it will be a long season.”
The girls will next take on Kerman in the Kerman Rotary Tournament, Dec. 9 at 6:30 p.m.
CLOVIS HIGH CLASSIC INVITATIONAL, Dec. 2-5
FONTES NAMED TO CLOVIS CLASSIC ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM
Senior Tatiana Fontes was named to the Clovis Classic Invitational All-Tournament team. While the Eagles went 1-3 in the tournament, Fontes stood out and was honored for her play in the first three games. She did not play in FC’s blow-out win over Fresno High as she was taking the SAT.
“Tatiana made the all tournament team because of her competitive spirit and her consistency,” coach Josh Tosland said. “She kept us in ball games due to her inside play. She had some tough assignments on defense as well and guarded some very talented post players on Central and Madera.”
Fontes averaged 11.7 points per game, playing against opponents from Division I and II schools. Fontes was one of nine players to be voted onto the team. The tournament was eventually won by Clovis High who defeated Central, 52-43, in the title game.
“I was surprised and grateful that I won all tournament,but it was a team effort and all our girls deserved it,” Fontes said.
EAGLES BLOW-OUT FRESNO HIGH, Dec. 5
After three-straight losses to open the season, the Eagles came out on a tear and dismantled Fresno High en route to a 69-29 thrashing of the Warriors. The win helped was the first for FC in the Clovis Classic Invitational, Dec. 5.
Five Eagles scored in double digits as the team jumped out to an early 14-8 first quarter lead and seemed to have the game in hand as they went to the locker room with a comfortable 34-16 advantage at half.
“We started off slow, but then everyone seemed to get going together and they then would feed off of each other,” coach Josh Tosland said. “I did feel that we continued in our progress of learning the schemes that we are implementing in practice.”
Five Eagles finished the game with double figures but junior guard Ashlyn White ran the offense and led the Eagles with 14 points.
“I was sad that we were missing some of our seniors,” White said. “I was thankful that some of the JV players played with us, even though they had 2 other games.”
However, the Warriors came out in the third and matched the Eagles point for point. Yet by quarter’s end, FC still outscored Fresno (14-13) to extend their lead.
It seemed to deflate Fresno and the Eagles pressure and balanced attack was too much. FC outscored the Warriors, 21-0, in the final frame to win their first game of the young season.
“Everyone seemed to contribute including a couple of JV players called up,” Tosland said. “(Freshman) Chantelle Brown, Brandi Thompson and Allie Frea gave us a lift of confidence by not only giving us a breather, but contributing to the outcome of the game.”
Sophomore guard Nicole Hensley, 13 points, and junior guard Bridget Teixeira, 12 points, seemed to compliment White on the floor. All three moved the ball in an out of the key, finding senior guard Chelsea Shuman, 11 points, and Brown, 10 points, throughout the game.
“I am happy I got the chance to play varsity because I made 8 points,” Thompson said. “I thought I played well because I usually foul people, but in this game I didn’t.”
“We are where we need to be,” Tosland said. The coaches do not try and plan the year out ahead of time and we do not try and compare us to other teams, or other years. We simply try to get better each day. We are doing that.”
The Division III Warriors were led by Lei Pamale who scored a game-high 15 points. But their one-sided offense would not be enough on this day. Secondary scoring came from Melinda Mesta, 7 points and Ebony Samuels, 5 points.
The Eagles will next take on Division IV McLane High in the Kerman Rotary Tournament, Dec. 8 at 5 p.m.
SLOW START HAMPERS EAGLE ATTACK, COYOTES DEFEAT FC, Dec. 4
FC allowed Madera’s offense to uncork a 16-9 lead in the first quarter and the Coyotes cruised to a 56-43 win as the Eagles fell to 0-3 in the Clovis Classic, Dec. 4.
While the Eagles dominated the 4th quarter, outscoring Madera High, 16-5, it was too late to overcome a 51-27 3rd quarter score. Coyotes senior center Staysha Fernandes scored 15 points, mostly in the first half, to stake Madera to a big lead. Senior forward Tony Murphy and senior guard Samantha Kuykendall each had 8 points to round out Madera’s top three.
“When we played Madera our team seemed flustered and out of our game.” said Fontes. “We learned what we need to improve on for next game.”
FC played a much higher ranked team for the third game in a row. Madera High plays in Division I in both State and Central Section.
“We played too eager,” coach Josh Tosland said. “We made careless mistakes and are really working too hard for little production. We were inefficient out there today.”
FC was led by senior center Tatiana Fontes’ 12 points and junior guard Ashlyn White’s 10 points.
“Tatiana was a force out there for us,” Tosland said. “We might not have the wins, but we have competed with very large schools with a very small team and had opportunities to win all of them.”
While the team has gone 0-3 thus far in the tournament, Tosland remains upbeat as to the girls’ play early in the season.
“I remember last year getting blown out by Edison where we didn’t stand a chance,” Tosland said. “I think this start was expected to be tough for wins, but I am very glad with how the team is playing. I know these girls very well because I have seen them play over the last four years in JH and HS. I know what we have and what we don’t. I believe we are on pace to have a successful season. We are preparing for what is ahead at all times.”
While the team struggled throughout the first three quarters, Tosland was quick to point out the purpose of playing in tournaments against difficult opponents. He felt the team was getting better each game but just need to get better at the fundamentals.
“Fans, parents and the media all look at wins and losses as the success of the team,” Tosland said, “but coaches are looking at strengths and weaknesses throughout their team’s games to help put them in a position to be successful in future games. That is what it is about. We have to try and be better at the end then we are now. I think we will.”
Please return to the sport shorts as facts and quotes will be added as more information becomes available.
FIRST HALF LEAD STANDS UP, SUNNYSIDE DEFEATS FC, Dec. 3
In their second game of the Clovis Classic, Sunnyside opened up a 12-9 first quarter lead and defeated the Eagles, 51-49, despite a second half FC surge, Dec. 3.
With senior Paige Maltos still nursing a sprained ankle, the Eagles could not initially contain Wildcat guard, Hanisha Marshall, who scored 13 to lead Sunnyside’s attack. Junior Brenni Walker scored 12 points to round out the Wildcats’ top two scorers. Eight Sunnyside players scored in a balanced attack.
“Sitting on the bench for this tournament has been hard,” Maltos said. “I missed the opening of last season too but this is even more difficult to handle because this is my senior year. But I know that this difficulty is just a bump in the road and we will learn from it and become even stronger. I am learning to be patient and am focusing on ‘what does God want me to do during the hard time.”
However Sunnyside’s 27-20 half-time lead slowly eroded as FC adjusted their game plan. Senior forward Tatiana Fontes led the charge with 14 points, and the Eagles too spread the offense around as 7 players hit the score sheet.
“Tatiana has been great,” Tosland said. “She is a leader on this team. But with players out injured, we have to watch our fouls because we only have seven players on the team right now.”
Coach Josh Tosland said the team needs to stop shooting itself in the foot if it expects to win.
“We had plenty of missed opportunities to win,” Tosland said. “We missed 20 free throws and had 23 turnovers in the first half. But we are competing and I am proud of that. Our team is making mistakes that are common early in the season.”
Junior guard Ashlyn White scored 11 and senior guard Chelsea Shuman added 10 points as FC moved the ball around the perimeter.
“Even though we lost by 2 it felt as if we won,” White said. “We kept battling until the end.”
The Eagles kept the game close throughout despite playing a Division II team.
FC outscored the Wildcats 15-11 in the third quarter to close the gap to three points (38-35). The Eagles drew within two points late in the fourth, but could not overcome the gap in the closing seconds. Schuman missed a 3-pointer at the buzzer when her 20-footer rolled around the rim but did not drop through the netting.
“The game was great, and we played with a lot of heart,” Shuman said. “When I shot the 3 I was thinking, I hope this goes in so we can win. After I was disappointed, but happy we played a great game. It didn’t even feel like we lost.”
The Eagles will next take on Madera High as the Clovis High Classic Invitational continues, Dec. 4.
“Saturday we will have to be even more careful as we will only suit up five due to SAT testing, Tosland said. “I am looking forward to playing Madera; they will give is a good fight. It can go either way.”
CENTRAL DOWNS EAGLES, 55-43 TO OPEN SEASON, Dec. 2
After loosing senior center Paige Maltos in their scrimmage against Le Grande, FC was forced to play without her in the Clovis High Classic Invitational. In their first game, the Eagles lost to Central High, 55-43, Dec. 2.
“It was a tough loss, but we learned what we have to improve on,” senior Chelsea Schuman said. “I think that we played well for our first game.”
FC junior Bridget Teixeira led the Eagles with 12 points, senior Chelsea Shuman had 10 points while junior Ashlyn White had 9 to round out the team’s top three scorers.
“I was excited that I was the top scorer, but I have to thank my team because it is 5 vs. 5 not 5 vs. 1,” Teixeira said.
Even though they started the tournament against a Division I foe in the first and second quarters, the Eagles held the lead, (13-10 and 25-23), but were unable to pull away.
The Grizzles tied the game 39-39 in the third quarter, but the Eagles fell behind in the fourth and only scored 4 points. However, coach Josh Tosland was upbeat about junior guard Ashlyn White despite being fresh off a state volleyball playoff run.
“I thought Ashlyn did a great job on both sides of the court,” Tosland said. “She came with energy and looked ready to compete every possession.”
The Grizzlies were led by sophomore power forward Tiana Maxwell’s 14 points and senior center Rachel Brewster’s 27 points.
“Tatiana had a tough assignment in guarding Brewster, their go to player,” Tosland said. “She is a big girl who needed to be denied every time she was in position. As soon as Tatiana fouled out, our rebounding output was eliminated.” Fontes finished the game with 6 points for the Eagles.
Tosland said his team lost the game on the boards and in turnovers.
“We are a young-minded team right now, meaning we have a lot of basketball knowledge to learn,” Tosland said. “We need to learn to make adjustments as we go and see them when they are there.”
The Eagles will next continue play in the Clovis High Classic Invitational against Sunnyside High, Dec. 3, and the Madera Coyotes, Dec. 4.