GIRLS’ BASKETBALL SPORT SHORTS, 2010-11–
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 are currently 9-6 overall and 1-0 in the West Sequoia League as of Jan. 18. The Eagles will next play against Caruthers at home, Jan. 25.
GIRLS’ BASKETBALL, 2010-11, Part IGirls’ basketball sport shorts, Part II, for the rest of the 2010-11 season.
GIRLS’ BASKETBALL, 2010-11
WEST COAST JAMBOREE–DEC. 27-29
FC BEATS BRET HARTE IN TOURNAMENT CLOSER–Dec. 29
Although originally scheduled to play Brethren Christian (Huntington Beach, CA), the Eagles played against Bret Harte High School (Angels Camp, CA) in the final game of the tournament. After winning the previous night, the Eagles continued their winning streak by beating the Bret Harte Bullfrogs, 46-41, Dec. 29.
Similar to the previous game, senior Ashlyn White was once again the Eagles high scorer with a total of 14 points and 11 rebounds. Fellow senior Bridget Teixeira was close behind contributing 13 points and 7 rebounds. The Bullfrogs leading scorer was junior Rachel Spellenberg who scored a total of 12 points through out the game.
While FC eventually drew out a win, coach Josh Tosland says the girls proceeded to play with the same pattern of previous games.
“The girls continue to start off strong but slowly let their opponents back in to the game,” Tosland said. “We missed a lot of open shots, especially from 3 [pointer] but closed it out.”
At the end of the first half the Eagles lead the game 25-17. Seniors Michele Graham made two threes while Ashlyn White hit the game deciding free throw, locking in the Eagles win. The coaches and players were unavailable for comments but a box score on the Eagle/Bullfrogs match is available.
The Eagles ended the tournament with a record of 2-1. Also, senior Bridget Teixeira was named to the All-Tournament team.
“I think it was real honor to be recognized because I wasn’t expecting it,” Teixeira said. “It was also nice because people who don’t even know me saw my hard work through the games. I would like to thank my teammates and coaches for pushing me to play my best.”
Along with Teixeira being recognized by officials, coach Tosland would like to recognize senior Michele Graham for putting great effort into the tournament.
“Michele also had a great tournament with her effort,” Tosland said. “She needs to be recognized because she always gives everything she has. If everyone else plays as hard as Michele, we would be a much better team.”
The Eagles will next play against Bakersfield Christian at home on Jan. 4.
EAGLES STRIKE HEAD-ROYCE–Dec. 28
After losing their first game in the West Coast Jamboree tournament, FC earned an overtime win against Head-Royce High School (Oakland, CA), 50-47, Dec. 28.
Senior Ashlyn White scored a total of 19 points and had 10 rebounds, putting up her first 12 in the first quarter of the game and giving the Eagles a 24-20 lead against the Jayhawks. After halftime, the Jayhawks outshot the Eagles in both the third and fourth quarter but the Eagles continued to press on.
With seven seconds left, the Jayhawks took the lead by 1 point and were going to the free throw line for a 1 and 1. Just as it looked like Head-Royce had taken over the game, they were caught off guard when FC took control, according to coach Josh Tosland.
“We had Michele set a down screen for Nicole to sprint our and told Brandi to send it,” Tosland said. “They missed their first and only free throw, but Ashlyn rebounded and gave it to Brandi, who hit Nicole going in for a lay-up.”
Although Nicole Hensley missed the lay-up, she was fouled with only 0.4 of a second on the clock. Hensley made the first and missed the second to send the game in to overtime. According to Hensley, right after the foul was called she tried to refrain from thinking too much about the free throws she had to shoot.
“In order to prevent from psyching myself out I tried to recover quickly from the shock of getting fouled with 0.4 of a second left,” Hensley said. “I just tried to stay calm and shoot the ball normally which wasn’t easy, but ended up sending the game into overtime.”
Even though both teams displayed their competitive talent, the Eagles pulled out an overtime win over Head-Royce HIgh, 50-47.
The Eagles evened their Jamboree tournament record at 1-1. The coaches and players were unavailable for comments but a box score on the Eagle/Jayhawks match is available.
After the Eagles win against the Jayhawks, FC will face Brethren Christian (Huntington Beach, CA) at Antioch High School on Dec. 29 at 2:30 p.m.
FC LOSES TO BAY HIGH SCHOOL IN WEST COAST JAMBOREE OPENER–Dec. 27
In the opening game of the West Coast Jamboree tournament, FC lost to Bay School (San Francisco), 49-45, Dec. 27.
During the first quarter, senior Clara Cardillo scored 6 out of Bay’s 10 points. Junior Brandi Thompson led FC in the first, scoring 3 of the Eagles’ 9 points. In the second quarter, FC led the game 28-26, but Bay took control in the third quarter, scoring 12 more points and taking them ahead, 38-36.
Senior Mary McLeod scored the Breaker’s game high of 19 points and senior Bridget Teixeira scored FC’s game high of 16 points. Senior Ashlyn White had 9 rebounds and junior Brandi Thompson contributed to 10 of the Eagles’ points.
According to coach Josh Tosland, the Eagles made several careless turnovers and did not create room for wide open lay-ups, resulting in a close score of 49-45.
“We allowed the other team to dictate how the game went,” Tosland said. “We simply fell asleep and had poor leadership; definitely a game to learn from.”
The coaches and players were unavailable for comments but a box score on the Eagle/Breakers match is available.
After the Eagles loss to the Breakers, FC will take on the Head-Royce Jayhawks (Oakland, CA) at Antioch High School on Dec. 28 at 10 a.m.
The girls will play Brethren Christian (Huntington Beach, CA), Dec. 29 and will take on the Warriors at 2:30 in Antioch High School’s gym.
SUNNYSIDE HOLIDAY CLASSIC AT FPU, Dec. 15-18
EDISON TOPS EAGLES IN TOURNAMENT CLOSER–Dec. 18
In the championship game during the tournament, the Eagles were overmatched against the Edison Tigers, 62-17, Dec. 18.
Even though the Eagles played against a tougher team, junior Brandi Thompson did a good job getting herself to the free throw line and scored an overall 10 points.
“It felt good getting there [free throw line] because I knew that was the only way we could score because they were so tall,” Thompson said. “I thought we went in this tournament stronger than the Clovis High Tournament, we played are hardest in all the games.”
Although Thompson tried hard at the free throw line, according to head coach Josh Tosland the Tigers were no match for the Eagles. Edison’s top scorer was Keyora Wharry who scored 20 points and Rogenee Russell who scored a respective 16.
“We were overmatched to say the least,” Tosland said. “Edison got almost every point off of an offensive rebound or a transition bucket. We didn’t get back in time for their continuing rotation throughout the game. They were fresh, we weren’t. We handled them fine in the half court strategy wise, we just couldn’t match up with their size and speed.”
Despite size and speed as an issue, senior Ashlyn White played one minute in the third quarter picking up her fifth foul and was out the rest of the game.
“I was upset that I fouled out because I really wanted to still play and battle but all I could do was talk to the girls from the bench,” White said. “The girls did really well especially with only one sub, they fought hard and didn’t give up.”
FC finished the Fresno Pacific Tournament in 2nd place. Also White was named to the All-Tournament team.
The Eagles will next play at the West Coast Jamboree Tournament in Antioch, Dec. 27. This is the largest girls’ basketball tournament on the West Coast.
REEDLEY NO MATCH FOR EAGLES–Dec. 17
During the third game of the Sunnyside Holiday Classic, the Eagles immediately took control of the game beating the Reedley Pirates, 40-28, Dec. 17.
Although the Eagles played hard, there were moments through out the game where the team was sluggish, according to coach Josh Tosland.
“We were sluggish at lengthy times throughout the game that led to a lackluster performance,” Tosland said. “I am looking forward to the game against Edison.”
The Reedley game was close until the decisive second quarter when FC outscored the Pirates, 12-5 and rolled through the third, leading 34-19. Senior Ashlyn White led the Eagles and earned 15 points to help send FC to the championship game.
Senior Michele Graham and junior Brandi Thompson each had 8 points for the Eagles while Reedley was led by Claudia Robles’ 10 points.
The Eagles will next play the Edison Tigers in the finals of the Fresno Pacific Tournament, Dec. 15-18.
EAGLES DEFEAT COYOTES–Dec. 16
In the second game of the Sunnyside Holiday Classic, FC topped the Madera Coyotes, 49-31, Dec. 16.
The Coyotes led the first quarter with 9 points and the Eagles closely followed with 7 points. At the end of the second quarter the score shifted to 10-10.
In the second half of the game, the Eagles made three 3-point baskets off the backboard, pulling the them ahead of the Coyotes. Coach Josh Tosland says the team started off sloppy in the first half, but sees more improvement as a whole.
“Handling pressure was much better,” Tosland said. “We are under control and are making much smarter decisions.”
The Eagles will next play the Reedley Pirates in the Sunnyside Holiday Classic at Fresno Pacific University, Dec. 15-18.
FC KNOCKS HOOVER–Dec. 15
Leading into the Sunnyside Holiday Classic, the lady Eagles pulled out a win against the Hoover Patriots, 52-42, Dec. 15.
Going into the game, Coach Josh Tosland believes the girls emerged with good attitudes and a positive energy. Along with the Eagle’s beginning stance, Tosland says the girls were able to accomplish more as a team, amongst some rearrangements.
Despite the expectations of the previous year’s offense, junior Nicole Hensley says the team changed their offensive set-up, taking pressure off the team.
“I think we did much better than our last games,” Hensley said. “There was less pressure because we changed around our offense so that it works more for our height and skills. It works better cause we can drive harder.”
Although the team is still learning plays in practice, the girls are able to execute during games, Tosland said.
“I saw a lot of things working that we have only practiced once or twice,” Tosland said. “The girls did very well with the execution on adjustments made throughout the game; that’s what won the game for us.”
The Eagles will next play the Madera Coyotes in theSunnyside Holiday Classic at Fresno Pacific University, Dec. 15-18.
CLOVIS HIGH CLASSIC TOURNAMENT, Dec. 2-4
SUNNYSIDE TRIUMPHS OVER EAGLES–Dec. 4
In the final game of the Clovis High Classic Tournament, the Sunnyside Wildcats defeated the Eagles, 44-34, Dec. 4.
Junior Nicole Hensley scored a game high of 13 points, while senior Ashlyn White, added eight for the Eagles, but a steady pace was not kept, leaving FC worn out according to head coach Josh Tosland.
“We continue to beat ourselves,” Tosland said. “We keep turning the ball over at times that are unforced. Hopefully we will settle down as the year goes along and get into some kind of rhythm.”
Tosland says Brandi Thompson, ’12, who was named All Tournament player, did above and beyond what was asked of her.
“I was surprised because I thought that Ashlyn [White] did way better than me,” Thompson said. “Although, it was cool because I got it last year on JV, it felt really good to know that they [referees and officials] thought I played my hardest in every game.”
The Eagles will next play the Hoover Patriots in the Fresno Pacific Tournament, Dec. 15-18.
EAGLES FALL TO COUGARS–Dec. 3
For the third game of the Clovis High Classic Tounament, the Eagles faced off against the Clovis High Cougars. FC struggled to stop the Cougars’ offensive attack as they lost, 47-27, Dec. 3.
Senior captain Bridget Teixeira says they had some good moments on the court, but believes with more games, they will improve on their timing and communication.
“We did a great job being composed,” Teixeira said. “There were a few times when it felt like a bad call was made on us, but we understood there was nothing we could do but keep playing hard; we weren’t the only team going through it. But with each game we play, we’ll get better and better.”
Head coach Josh Tosland says that even though the girls have not practiced much together, they will continue to develop and grow as a team.
“They don’t have the chemistry yet because of the lack of practice time together, but that is expected early on,” Tosland said. “We only have a couple subs, but they will be in good shape and everyone will get to play. It just takes time and some fundamental work to grow in.”
The Eagles will next play Sunnyside in the Clovis High Classic Tournament, Dec. 4.
MADERA DEFEATS EAGLES–Dec. 2
In the second game of the Clovis High Classic Tournament, the Eagles fell to the Madera Coyotes, 39-37, Dec. 2. Although they strung several runs of points together, they ultimately were unable to maintain control under the pressure of Madera’s defense.
Apart from the the team’s loss, senior Ashlyn White, who scored 19 points, believes the girls played well and above the calls.
“We played to the end, never giving up,” White said. “But for it only being our second game together, we did really well. Like every other team just starting off, we have some kinks to work out.”
The Eagles will next play Clovis in the Clovis High Classic Tounament, Dec. 3.
EAGLES OUST CLOVIS NORTH, WIN SEASON OPENER–Dec. 1
The lady Eagles were scheduled to play Kings Christian, but due to a scheduling error, FC took on the Clovis North Broncos. Although the competition did not count towards the Clovis High tournament record, FC narrowly defeated the Broncos, 51-48, Dec. 1.
Even though junior Allison Camden and sophomore Kristen Rosenthal only practiced a couple days with the team, the two athletes played most of the game.
“This was a team effort,” Tosland said. “No one player stood out above the another. Each player does a role and it is very important. The team ran some set plays, executed down the stretch and played physical.”
During the game, senior Michele Graham dove for a loose ball and was elbowed in the face. It appeared as though Graham would receiver fifth foul of the game, but instead the opposing player was given a technical.
“It hurt really bad but coach is always telling us to go after loose balls so I wanted to do my best to go after it,” Graham said. “I didn’t know what the girl was doing and before I knew it, the girl was on me and I was on top of Nicole [Hensley, ’12]. The ref called a technical foul and I didn’t know what to do because I thought it was on me, but I was real glad when it wasn’t.”
After a winning start, coach Tosland looks forward to the season ahead. Although he says the team has the need for improvement in certain areas, high hopes still remain.
“The coaches are excited and want to see the team progress,” Tosland said. “We have a lot of work to do and we just want to take it day by day.”
The Eagles will next play Madera in the Clovis High Cassic Tournament, Dec. 2.
For more information, check out the Girls’ basketball sport shorts, 2009-10, Part I and Part II.
