GIRLS’ BASKETBALL SPORT SHORTS, 2011-12–
(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. For a simple overview of scores and upcoming games, check the Winter sport box scores, 2011-12 for dates, opponents and times for all Eagle sports.)

Be sure to visit the 2011-12 girls’ basketball schedule, home page, or check out Maxpreps.com.The Eagles are currently 2-14 overall and 0-5 in the West Sequoia League as of Feb. 3. The Eagles will next play against Tranquillity High School, Feb. 7 at 6 p.m.

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL, 2011-12

EAGLES DEFEATED BY COWGIRLS–Feb. 3
The Eagles traveled to Riverdale to compete against the Cowgirls in their fourth league game of the season, Feb. 3.

Eagles Head Coach Santino Reynolds was aware of the Cowgirls? game plan, which was to utilize two of their post players. In order to prevent the pass to the post, Reynolds came up with new defensive plays. Although the Eagles were able to guard the post players, the Cowgirls? wing players shot 3-pointers and made layups, which resulted in a 50-30 victory over the Eagles.

Sophomore post Hannah Avila, who had 1 point, 6 rebounds and 1 steal, says that adjusting to the new plays is difficult at first, but is satisfied that there are several options to consider.

?The game against Riverdale was a good learning experience,? Avila said. ?We had some new plays so it confused me a little, but I am glad that we came up with them because now we know several different plays so we have tons of options.?

FC senior captains Nicole Hensley and Brandi Thompson worked together to score, putting up 3 points combined. With a minute left, the referees called a foul in favor of the Cowgirls, which allowed them to catch up to the Eagles making two free throws, ending the first quarter, 3-3.

According to sophomore wing Rayna Endicott, the team would have earned a victory if the referees’ calls were more accurate.

“I was happy with how we played, especially with our defense,” Endicott said. “But I think if the referees did not call fouls so often, we would have had a higher chance of winning because most of the fouls that they called were not correct.”

Despite holding the Cowgirls to 3 points in the first, the Eagles fell down in the second quarter when the Cowgirls outshot FC, sinking numerous 3-pointers.

During half time, the FC coaching staff encouraged everyone to drive to the basket instead of relying on both Hensley and Thompson.

After the encouragement from the coaches, Endicott attempted a lay up, but failed when one of the Cowgirls? pushed her. This sent Endicott to the free throw line, where she scored a point for the Eagles.

Despite the Eagles? effort to shoot, FC’s turnovers gave the Cowgirls opportunities to score. FC was lead by Thompson, who had 20 points, 12 rebounds, 1 assist and 2 steals.

According to Eagles assistant coach Jim White, he is fond of the team for their effort.

?We had great intensity tonight,? White said. ?Everyone gave great effort. It is great to see the team continuing to learn the game and what level it takes to complete. We played physically and I am very proud of the team tonight; we need to continue the intensity and work on limiting turnovers.?

According to Reynolds, he agrees with White and says that he is proud of his players for playing with high intensity. He is also satisfied since every player contributed in the game.

?I was very pleased with the effort and intensity,? Reynolds said. ?The girls played with Varsity level speed. I thought everyone played well and most importantly everyone contributed in some way. As far as expectations go, I just hope that the girls continue to take steps forward and continue to build on these success.?

Hensley, who had 6 points, 5 rebounds and 1 assist, says that she is content with the young Eagles for making progress. When facing an experienced team, it is crucial to find their weakness.

?I loved that we made improvements and couldn?t be happier,? Hensley said. ?We improved a ton with our rebounding and boxing out. What we can do for teams that have good players is know first of all what they like to do; whether that be shooting threes, doing post movements. Then, figure out the best defense to run against them with the players that we have.?

The Eagles will next play against Tranquillity High School on Feb. 7 at 6 p.m.