GIRLS’ BASKETBALL SPORT SHORTS, 2010-11, PART II–
Latest girls’ basketball shorts will be at the top of the section. Scroll down to check out past results. Scrimmages do not count toward win/loss record. Visit the Sports Section for girls’ basketball features.)

Be sure to visit the 2010-11 girls’ basketball schedule, home page, roster page or check out Maxpreps.com. The Eagles finished 19-7 overall and 8-0 in the West Sequoia League.

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL, 2010-11, PART IIGirls’ basketball sport shorts, Part I, for the beginning of the 2010-11 season.

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL FALLS TO SIERRA, SEASON END–March 1
In the third game of the CIF Central Section Division IV playoffs, FC fell to the Sierra Chieftains, 58-36, ending their season, March 1.

Junior Brandi Thompson scored FC’s game high with 13 points while senior Paige Brown put up 22 points for Sierra’s game high. Within the beginning of the game, senior Ashlyn White and junior Brandi Thompson got three fouls, taking them out of the game.

“We struggled offensively and with Ashlyn not out there running the point, it puts a lot of people in uncomfortable positions,” coach Josh Tosland said. “We made multiple turnovers which were very careless of us to drive in without protection, leading to Sierra’s main points.”

Throughout the game, FC struggled with turnovers, allowing Sierra to work both offensively and defensively.

“When we didn’t turn the ball over, Sierra had a tough time scoring, but we still were sluggish offensively,” Tosland said. “Sierra played a good defense and forces us to play a little down, but we also didn’t counter their defense with good offense.”

Although the girls did not win their game, senior Ashlyn White reflects on the season.

“I am very proud of this group of girls,” White said. “We battled through injuries and through fouling out. Through all my years playing basketball at FC, I have been a part of teams that have made history one way or another. This team of eight girls made it to the semi finals of Division IV and we’re undefeated league champs, once again.”

Not only appreciative of standing as league champions, White is grateful for the bond that the team has.

“Through the loss of a loved one [Paige Armstrong-Maltos], I don’t think you could find a closer team anywhere else, and I wouldn’t have had it any other way.”

Despite losing the game, Tosland feels very proud of the girls’ effort and work throughout the season.

“The team had a good attitude all the way to the end and finished with class as we knew they would,” Tosland said. “They are proud of each other for the season and had a great time. I think this team shocked a lot of people this year and I couldn’t be more proud of them then I am right now.”

CALIFORNIA INTERSCHOLASTIC FEDERATION CENTRAL SECTION DIVISION IV PLAYOFFS
FC SURMOUNTS TAFT IN QUARTER-FINALS, Feb. 24
During the second game of the CIF Central Section Division IV playoffs, the Eagles immediately took the lead in the first quarter against the Taft Wildcats, 22-11, Feb. 24. Throughout the game, FC stayed ahead end until the final buzzer resulting in a win, 62-40.

Seniors Ashlyn White and Michele Graham both scored 17 points each, leading the Eagles to victory. According to head coach Josh Tosland, the Eagles played well and took advantage of their opponent’s long drive on a bus.

“The whole team shot the ball well tonight,” Tosland said. “We needed it with our recent poor shooting. Our defense was pretty good but did break down at times which led to some easy shots for them. I think their legs were a little heavy with the long drive, but we are just glad to be moving on.”

Although most of the girls on the team have previously played in a playoff situation, senior Fatima Costa is experiencing post-season for the first time.

“I was nervous because I have never been in a playoff situation,” Costa said. “I know that the other girls got my back so if I make a mistake I know they will support me. In preparation against Sierra, we are going to watch film and focus on their main girl. It’s all mental, so we can’t change our game mentally.”

The coach’s stat book is unavailable.

The Eagles will next play in the third round CIF Central Section Division IV playoff game at Sierra beginning at 7 p.m., March 1. The full scale version of the 2011 CIF Central Section Division IV playoff bracket is also available.

Please remember that season passes are not valid during CIF playoffs. The fees are set by CIF and are: Adults – $5; Students (Elem through HS, including FCS students) $4; Seniors (65+) $3.

FC DEFEATS MENDOTA TO OPEN DIVISION IV PLAYOFFS–Feb. 22
FC jumped out to a 15-8 first quarter lead and held on to defeat Mendota, 52-39, to open the CIF Central Section Division IV playoffs, Feb. 22. While the Aztecs kept the game close throughout, the Eagles sealed the win in the fourth quarter at the free throw line, outscoring Mendota, 19-11.

Although the Eagles prepared for the match by viewing film of the Aztecs, according to junior Nicole Hensley, the team still felt the pressure.

“There’s pressure because we didn’t know how we would match up against them [Mendota], because we haven’t played against them or seen them in any tournaments,? Hensley said. ?We had film on them, but it was old tape, so we were going off of old stuff. We just went out there and played how we know how to play and it was hard because we let down a little bit in the third quarter and that is usually our best quarter.?

After ending the first half, the Eagles lead the game, 29-19, but the Aztecs outscored the Eagles in the third quarter, closing the gap between the teams, 33-28. Junior Brandi Thompson led the Eagles with 15 points. Despite the close score, FC fought through the fourth, pulling out a win.

“They were faster than us and you control how hard you work and in the third quarter they outworked us, but in the fourth we outworked them,? Bridget Teixeira, ?11, said. ?It’s definitely a mental game; we kept our composure when we could have taken calls the wrong way, but we didn’t and we just got up and kept going. It’s one game at a time; we can’t look ahead only focus on the present game.”

Despite putting up several shots, the Eagles were unable to sink some of them, according to coach Josh Tosland.

“We put up 70 shots which was very high for us, but it was because nothing was falling,” Tosland said. “It was a tough match up for us; they are very fast and deep. We played our hearts out and did what we needed to do. We made some big free throws down the stretch that kept our advantage and our kids really never got too rattled. They were calm when we needed them to be; we are very proud of them.”

The Eagles will next host a second CIF Central Section Division IV playoff game against Taft beginning at 7 p.m., Feb. 24. The full scale version of the 2011 CIF Central Section Division IV playoff bracket is also available.

Please remember that season passes are not valid during CIF playoffs. The fees are set by CIF and are: Adults – $5; Students (Elem through HS, including FCS students) $4; Seniors (65+) $3.

EAGLES CRUISE, BLOW OUT PANTHERS–Feb. 18
After leading, 21-2, at the end of the first quarter, the Eagles’ focus slipped some in the second but a strong third sent the Senior Night families home happy, Feb. 18. FC beat the Parlier Panthers, 55-22, despite only having one substitute on the bench and playing three times in a week.

Although FC beat the Panthers, head coach Josh Tosland said the team made some mistakes but overall accomplished their goals.

?We forced a lot of shots in the second quarter that we should not have even taken,? Tosland said. ?But fortunately our defense is working well. We had some let downs and didn?t communicate out there and took chances, but for the most part the girls did what they needed to do. They accomplished their second goal and that was going undefeated in league.?

Senior guard Ashlyn White led the Eagles with 18 points, while fellow guard Brandi Thompson had 17. White won league MVP along with first team all league, while Thompson won second team all league.

According to Thompson, the team was energized for the game due to senior night and is looking forward to playoffs.

?I thought we played good; we had a lot of energy because it was senior night, but we could have played better,? Brandi Thompson said. ?I think we are going to come out strong in playoffs because we are actually competing against somebody, so it will be a challenge. We haven?t really heard anything about Mendota other than they are pretty scrappy.?

Along with winning league MVP, White acknowledges that she would not have been able to receive it without her teammates. She is also proud that almost all of her teammates were awarded all league, whether it be first or second.

“I was awarded MVP Saturday night which was very exciting,” White said. “I’m very excited for our playoff game and I really hope that we can get to Selland because that was our goal. We won last year and got moved to Division IV so we’re hoping we can prove ourselves. I think it can be anyone’s game, it just depends on who shows and plays.”

After a memorable night filled with tears, White reflected on her past four years of experience.

“It’s sad but it’s also one of those things that you look back on high school and it’s been a great ride,” White said. “It goes by fast and you don’t realize it till it’s your last year.”

According to Tosland, the team is tired but will focus on the next game only since playoffs this year is Division IV teams.

?We are a little exhausted at this point of the season as always,? Tosland said. ?But we will enjoy the NOTS [formal] weekend and then get ready on Monday because this year in playoffs will be completely different and a lot harder. All we are going to focus on is Tuesday and Tuesday alone. We hope to be healthy and ready to go for whoever our opponent will be.?

The Eagles defended their West Sequoia League title in style by going undefeated (8-0). It is their fourth consecutive league title. The girls have won 10 games in a row and haven’t lost since Jan. 12 when Sierra High beat them.

FC’s next action will be in the West Sequoia League playoffs at home against Mendota beginning at 7 p.m., Feb. 22.

EAGLES OUTPLAY REDCATS–Feb. 15
Taking the first quarter, 11-4, the Eagles overpowered the Fowler Redcats throughout the game, resulting in a 58-15 win, Feb. 15.

According to coach Josh Tosland, the Eagles did very well transitioning, which followed in their big lead over Fowler. Although the girls’ shots on basket did not fall in during the first, they were able to wear their opponents down, Tosland said.

Fowler scored seven points during the second quarter, but was unable to match FC’s 17 points. The Eagles continued to push offensively, ending the half, 28-11.

While junior Mallory Lewis put up five points for Fowler’s game high, senior Michele Graham and junior Brandi Thompson scored FC’s game high with 13 points.

During the third and fourth, the Eagles collected 30 points which added to their final score, 58-15.

As the Eagles continue their winning streak in league, Tosland acknowledges the girls’ work on the court and anticipates their next game.

“Now we are league champs and we are proud of this team. “They would like to keep this going with a win against Parlier but we know it will be a tough one because Parlier needs a win to go to playoffs.”

The Eagles will next play Parlier, Feb. 18.

BLUE RAIDERS NO MATCH FOR EAGLES–Feb. 11
With the Eagles clinging to a 19-16 half time score, FC dominated the third quarter and beat Caruthers, 44-35, Feb. 11.

During the first, the Blue Raiders took a 2-point lead, 6-4, but the Eagles closed in, scoring 15 points during the second quarter and moving ahead 19-16. While senior Jordan Reid put up Caruther’s game high with 12 points, senior Michele Graham scored FC’s game high with 14 points.

Throughout the game several fouls were called on both teams. According to coach Josh Tosland is was difficult to pick up a rhythm and effected the girls’ playing.

“Since we were in foul trouble, we had to sit people a long time and be tentative,” Tosland said. “Fortunately, our third quarter gave us a ten point lead because we would need it.”

Although FC remained in the lead at the end of the third quarter, senior Ashlyn White fouled out during the first minute of the fourth. Along with White, junior Brandi Thompson fouled out of the game with four minutes left, leaving the team with four players to finish the game.

Despite a three point shot made by a Caruthers player at the end of the game, Tosland believes the remaining four players kept control during the last quarter.

Now standing 6-0 in the West Sequoia League, the Eagles prepare for their last two games, in order to secure at least one win for the championship game.

“We are very proud to be in a position to win league,” Tosland said. “We are hoping to close strong and to put ourselves in a good position for the seeding in playoffs.”

The Eagles will next play Fowler at home, Feb. 15.

EAGLES SHUT DOWN TIGERS–Feb. 8
In their non-league game against the Tranquillity Tigers, the Eagles dominated the game, 66-14, Feb. 8.

FC only committed three fouls all game and had about nine turnovers. Although their opponents were struggling, the team knew that if they played smart, they would be fine, according to coach Josh Tosland.

“It’s hard to analyze a game like this so we are going to try and be healthy for Friday,” Tosland said. “Some of us are starting to get sick, so we hope we can battle through that.”

The Eagles will next play Caruthers, Feb. 11.

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL SINKS RIVERDALE, 60-23–Feb. 4
The Eagles hosted the Riverdale Cowboys as FC started the first quarter, 18-8, and continued to control the game for a 60-23 victory, Feb. 4.

Although the Cowboys were missing a couple of their starters, the Eagles made some adjustments in order to position themselves accordingly.

Coach Josh Tosland commends the Eagles for their improvement with transitions in games and working as a team.

“I think we played one of the best team games all year,” Tosland said. “We played together, made extra passes, played team defense and made some shots all around.”

Scoring 12 more points in the second quarter, FC stayed ahead of the game, 30-13. During the third, the Eagles put up 20 more points, swooping the Cowboys to take a substantial lead, 50-17.

Senior Ashlyn White put up FC’s game high with 22 points. After finishing the game, 60-23, White acknowledges her team’s work on the court.

“I thought everyone played very well,” White said. “We kept pushing ourselves and kept working the ball on offense.”

Girls’ basketball stands 5-0 in the West Sequoia League and now anticipates their next league game.

“Our next league game is for the league championship, so we need to prepare for that one,” Tosland said. “We know it won’t be anything like the last time we played them.”

White recognizes the girls’ work so far and also looks forward to the competition of FC’s next league game.

“We have been very blessed and all the girls have worked very hard, but I still feel like anyone can win league, it just depends on who shows up and plays.”

The Eagles will next play Tranquillity, Feb. 8.

FC HAMMERS PARLIER–Feb. 1
The Eagles came out strong, leading the first quarter 16-4 against Parlier and defeated the Panthers, 52-28, Feb. 1.

Junior Jackie Robles scored Fowler’s game high with 10 points while senior Ashlyn White put up 19 points for FC’s game high. According to coach Josh Tosland, the lady Eagles were able to push hard both offensively and defensively, giving them an early lead in the first quarter.

“Our transition game started out strong and gave us an early lead from there on,” Tosland said. “It was tough for Parlier to come back.”

Robles picked up three quick fouls within the first half of the game, forcing her to sit out. FC received several fouls, but was relieved to not foul out, Tosland said.

The Eagles struggled with ball control during the second and third quarter, leading into several turnovers. Despite the pressure, FC continued to lead the game 20-8 throughout the second quarter.

Fowler picked up 14 points through the third quarter, but FC topped the Panthers, scoring 15 points, and maintaining a 25-22 lead. The Eagles proceeded to press hard, scoring 17 more points in the last quarter and ending the game, 52-28.

“The team is playing together and doing a good job so far in league,” Tosland said. “First half accomplished; now we have our sites on Riverdale, which was the closest game so far in league. It should be a tough match-up for us.”

The Eagles will next play Riverdale at home, Feb. 4.

EAGLES OVERPOWER REDCATS–Jan. 28
Winning their third game in a row, the Eagles outplayed the Fowler Redcats, 59-18, Jan. 28.

FC led the first, 13-7, and continued to control the game, 30-9 at the end of the second quarter. Junior Nicole Hensley scored FC’s game high with 15 points and says her team’s playing helped create an enjoyable game.

“It felt great scoring the game high and also just having fun on the court while playing with my team,” Hensley said. “We all contributed against Fowler and because of that we were able to have fun and continue to get better.”

The Eagles played down one player, due to junior Allison Camden being out for the rest of league season with a knee injury. Having played basketball in past years, senior Fatima Costa joined the team, and put great effort into the game, according to coach Josh Tosland.

“Fatima did a good job of playing a lot of minutes after only three practices total,” Tosland said. “She is fitting in nicely and is helping the team out.”

Throughout the third quarter, the lady Eagles kept a steady pace, allowing them to keep the game in their hands, 48-16. While Fowler only scored two points in the last quarter, FC added 11 more points, ending the game, 59-18.

During the game, FC ran into foul trouble and had to play with five players in order to finish the game. Although a tough situation, the team did well to finish it out and now looks forward to their next game, Tosland said.

“We are looking forward to the last league opponent to face on Tuesday,” Tosland said. “The team is doing a good job of trusting each other and being patient, giving them a better shot selection.”

The Eagles will next play Parlier, Feb. 1.

EAGLES DOMINATE RAIDERS–Jan. 25
Although a tight game in the first quarter, the Eagles swept past the Caruthers Blue Raiders, owning the game, 53-29, Jan. 25.

According to coach Josh Tosland, the Eagles had a difficult time during the first quarter, as both teams were trying to figure out their opponents. The first ended with FC in a slim lead, 10-9. Within the second quarter, FC hit several shots into the basket, advancing the score, 28-14.

Once again, senior Ashlyn White gained FC’s game high with 24 points. Junior guard and point guard, Kaitlyn Reitz scored Caruther’s game high with 10 points.

The Eagles were able to keep possession of the ball and maintain trust in each other, Tosland said.

“We only had a couple of possessions where we played selfishly,” Tosland said. “But I think we played as a team overall, and it showed.”

During the second half of the game, junior Brandi Thompson took charge, creating a surge of momentum and helping the Eagle’s transition into their layups from seniors Bridget Teixeira and Michele Graham. FC remained in the lead throughout the third quarter, 42-23, and continued to do so, ending the game, 53-29.

Senior Michele Graham and junior Nicole Hensley were set to guard Caruther’s lead scorers, senior Jordan Reid and junior Bailey Osmer. Averageing 20 and 16 points per game, Reid and Osmer were held to 3 and 7 as Graham and Hensley accomplished their goal, according to Graham.

“I was set to play post, which I’ve never played before, so I really had to rely on Ashlyn and my other teammates,” Graham said. “Being on the main scorer, I had a mindset that I had to shut her down and I think I did that. I think Nicole and I did a great job at shutting their lead scorers down.”

“The girls did their part on our home court,” Tosland said. “Now we are ready to move on to Fowler this Friday.”

The Eagles will next play Fowler, Jan. 28.

TRANQUILLITY GAME CANCELED–Jan. 21
The Eagles and Tranquillity game was canceled due to Tranquillity’s lack of transportation.

FC will next play home against Caruthers, Jan. 25.

EAGLES WIN FIRST LEAGUE GAME–Jan. 18
FC secured a win against Riverdale High School in their first game of league season, 31-26, Jan. 18.

The Riverdale Cowboys pushed their offense in the first quarter, leading the game 10-5. During the second quarter, the Eagles put up six more points, but still trailed behind the Cowboys, 11-12.

Senior Ashlyn White went for 17 points, scoring FC’s game high. Although the Eagles had some difficulties throughout the game, White says their mistakes will contribute to learning.

“Even though we didn’t play our best, we learned a lot of things,” White said. “We were also reminded of what we need to do on the court.”

The Eagles outscored the Cowboys 17-15 in the third quarter, maintaining a two-point lead as they moved into the final quarter. Although FC ended the game with a 31-26 win, they struggled to set the pace, according to coach Josh Tosland.

“We had a lot of energy before the game but it did not translate into the decision making during the game,” Tosland said. “We allowed them to guard us and never made them adjust to what we were doing; we’ll have to work harder in order to compete against the rest of our league.”

The Eagles will next play against the Tranquillity Tigers in a non-league game at home, Jan. 21.

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL SQUEEZES IN A WIN–Jan. 17
In the last game before the start of the West Sequoia League season, FC grasped a win against the Bullard Knights, 45-44, Jan. 17.

Throughout the game, the girls were caught in foul trouble, forcing them to play extended minutes and without breaks. According to coach Josh Tosland, FC took longer to move the ball offensively, but acknowledges junior Allison Camden on defense.

“The girls are aggressive about bringing the ball up, but it’s when we slow ourselves down that we start to have problems,” Tosland said. “Allison did a great job all game with her defensive pressure.”

The Eagles led the first quarter 12-6, but the Knights stepped ahead 22-18 as the second quarter closed. Bullard boosted their score 34-24 during the third quarter, rattling the pressure of the game.

Junior Brandi Thompson put up FC’s game high of 21 points and supplied 8 rebounds. Thompson tied the game with one minute remaining, after being fouled during a clutch basket. With twenty seconds to go, Bullard took possession, but Thompson stole the ball, attacking the basket.

With seven seconds left on the clock, Thompson scored one of the two free throws after being fouled, giving her team a 1-point lead. Thompson recalls the pressure of the moment when FC swept Bullard’s opportunity of winning.

“I was really nervous because I knew it was pretty much the only chance for us to win,” Thompson said. “Once I made the shot, I was relieved because I knew we would’ve lost the game without it.”

FC will next play the Riverdale Cowboys, Jan. 18.

FC SUFFERS 52-33 LOSS AGAINST SIERRA–Jan. 12
Although the lady Eagles won their previous game against Bakersfield Christian, FC was shutout by Sierra High School, 52-33, Jan. 12.

Senior Ashlyn White scored FC’s game high with 16 points and 16 rebounds. Along with her teammate, senior Bridget Teixeira obtained 8 rebounds. Senior Paige Brown scored Sierra’s game high with 10 points.

Within the first quarter the Chieftains led 13-9, and continued to outplay the Eagles by scoring 13 more points in the second quarter. FC scored 13 points during the third quarter but Sierra maintained the lead, 37-26. Scoring 15 more points in the final quarter, Sierra closed the game, 52-33.

While the Sierra Chieftains made several offensive plays, the Eagles missed 17 free throws and had a difficult time with rebounds, according to coach Josh Tosland.

“We had a difficult time rebounding the ball tonight so we only had one chance to score,” Tosland said. “The other team shot the ball very well and we shot poorly. Sierra is a good team and probably one of the top teams in our division, so we will have to be playing at a high level to compete with a team like that.”

FC will next play the Bullard Knights on Jan. 17.

FC CAPS BAKERSFIELD CHRISTIAN–Jan. 4
After finishing the West Coast Jamboree tournament in San Francisco with a record of 2-1, the FC Eagles defeated the Bakersfield Christian Eagles, 33-31, Jan. 4.

The FC Eagles led the first quarter 10-4 but as the second quarter ended, the Bakersfield Eagles scored 15 points, taking them ahead 19-18. Throughout the third quarter, Bakersfield kept their 1-point lead with 24-23. In the final quarter, FC outplayed Bakersfield, giving them a 2-point lead to win the game, 33-31.

Senior Brittany Smith scored the Bakersfield Eagles’ game high with 17 out of Bakersfield’s 31 points. Senior Bridget Teixeira and junior Brandi Thompson both scored FC’s game high with 10 out of FC’s 33 points. While they led the game, 10-1, head coach Josh Tosland says the girls began to let down as the half closed out.

“We had three starters sit out most of the third quarter because of lack of effort,” Tosland said. “They want to give their best, but know that they are having lapses.”

During the third quarter, freshman JooYoung Kwon, sophomore Kristen Rosenthal and junior Allison Camden joined Thompson and senior Michele Graham on the court. Down by three points, the girls fought back, giving them a chance to win the game as they went into the fourth quarter. Sophomore Kristen Rosenthal says that, despite a new experience, she was satisfied with their performance.

“It was a new experience because it was only JooYoung’s second time playing, but we hung in and did great,” Rosenthal said. “I am very proud of our team.”

Thompson scored on an inbounds play and senior Ashlyn White sank a free throw, helping the FC Eagles regain a two-point lead. In a split second before a turnover was committed by FC, the referee heard a timeout called by the FC Eagles. Despite the Eagles almost giving the game away, the girls pulled out another close game, according to Tosland.

“For a team that is struggling, we keep pulling out some close games,” Tosland said. “We will take the win, but we know that the real work starts next week. We know that all of our games will be tough the rest of the year, but we will have to accept it in order to get better; we’ve been fighting that all year.”

The Eagles will next play against Sierra (Tollhouse), at home on Jan. 12.