The Campbell Reporter

Sports

Westmont boys, girls open up with wins

Prospect's girls knock off Leland

By Mike Barnhart

Picking up where they left off during impressive runs in November and December, Westmont's basketball teams continued their winning ways during the first week of the Blossom Valley Athletic League season.

The girls team, which posted a 9-2 record during non-league action, was among three Mt. Hamilton Division teams to begin 2-0. The Westmont boys also won their first two division contests, improving to 12-4 overall.

Coach Jane Morgan-Riley's Lady Warriors won their opener at Gunderson 45-28 as seniors Kelly Gregg and Stephanie Priest combined for 23 points. Back at home two nights later, Jan. 11, Westmont expected a stern test from a talented Santa Teresa squad.

The Saints, coming off a tough, one-point loss to Evergreen Valley, had scored 50 or more points in eight games and had put together an 8-3 record in non-league play. But Westmont's defense was too tough.

After Santa Teresa jumped ahead with a 12-7 first quarter, the Warriors allowed just two points in the second period and built a 20-14 halftime lead. Westmont's defensive work continued in the second half, as Santa Teresa scored only 15 points over the final two quarters, and the Warriors won 41-29.

Senior Alyssa Kanzaki paved the way for the Warriors with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Gregg, who had five assists at Gunderson, dished out six more against ST and scored nine points. Freshman Elle Koshiyama played a solid, all-around game, putting up five points, five rebounds and four assists.

Senior Robyn Araujo, who scored two free throws, was a defensive spark with four steals. Priest (eight) and sophomore Dilara Onur (five) were the rebound leaders for Westmont.

Junior Christine Dupic chipped in with two points for the Warriors, who put their11-2 overall record on the line at Prospect on Jan. 16.

The Panthers, under coach Megan Sainsbury, entered the game with an 8-5 record, including a split of their first two Mt. Hamilton games. After dumping Leland 48-30, Prospect lost a tight 53-50 decision to Evergreen Valley (2-0).

Juniors Simone Scott and Jennifer Jasper and sophomore Mariah Rogers all played big roles in the win at Leland. Scott, a 5-foot-8 guard, scored 13 points and grabbed 13 rebounds. Jasper, a 6-foot-1 center, hauled down 18 rebounds, blocked six shots and scored 10 points. Rogers, a 5-foot-10 forward, also scored 10 points and snagged 12 rebounds.

Sophomore guard Katie Kinder added 10 points against Leland. Junior Taylor Kikuchi had three points and senior Leah Williams had two.

Rogers accomplished another double-double against Evergreen, 19 points and 10 rebounds, but the Panthers could not turn an eight-point halftime lead into a win.

In the West Valley Division, Del Mar split its first two games, bouncing back from a one-point loss to San Jose with a 55-41 triumph at Andrew Hill.

The Quilici twins, both juniors, were double trouble for the Falcons, as the Dons improved their overall record to 2-10. Ali Quilici scored 20 points and sister Sara tallied 18 for Del Mar, which built a 33-16 lead in the first half and never looked back. Six-foot senior Elli Batinich scored eight for the Dons, while junior Josie Steeves added five and senior Anna Myers and junior Caroline Garfink chipped in two apiece.

Boys basketball

After scoring convincing wins over Sobrato and Santa Teresa, Westmont's boys team hoped to knock off talented Oak Grove in a battle of 2-0 teams on Jan. 16. Coach Bill Gerth's Warriors then go on the road for a pair of games at Leigh, Jan. 18, 7:30 p.m., and Leland, Jan. 22, 7 p.m.

Against Sobrato, Westmont blew open a close game with a 20-4 fourth quarter. After a 29-29 first half, Westmont moved up by three in the third quarter, before running away from the Morgan Hill team in the final period.

Sophomore Brian Scott (17 points) and junior James Weimer (15) led Westmont's scoring, but senior guard Max Schneider triggered the action with 12 assists. Schneider and sophomore Ben Neves both scored nine points, 6-foot-6 junior center Jon Wahl added six, 6-foot-5 junior Greg Talley had five, senior Patrick Barton three and junior Mark Vidunas two.

Against Santa Teresa, the Warriors jumped out to a 10-point lead in the first quarter and rolled to a 73-53 victory. Schneider scored 16, Weimer 13, Talley 12 and Scott 10.

In Santa Teresa Division play, Del Mar split its first two games, while Prospect dropped a pair. The Dons beat Live Oak, 68-59, but lost at Evergreen. Meanwhile, Prospect lost to Silver Creek and Overfelt.

Del Mar and Prospect were to square off in the Panthers' gym on Jan. 16.