Support our high school sports coverage by becoming a digital subscriber. Subscribe now
Crean Lutheran’s girls basketball program experienced more departures than additions during a busy offseason for high-profile transfers in Orange County.
Yes, All-County point guard Micaela Hanning arrived from Calvary Chapel but the departures included Quinsey Bryan to San Clemente, Madi Nguyen to Portola and Jeanette Fabella to Beckman. Isabella Holmes had earlier transferred to Rosary.
But the Saints have stabilized and improved under first-year coach Kyle Rouse even while Hanning observed the Southern Section’s sitout period for transfers.
They carried an 11-2 record into a spotlight game Friday night against Marina at the Surf City Holiday Classic, and played with Hanning for the first time.
Crean Lutheran showcased its man defense, rebounding and an inside-outside attack in a 58-29 victory at Marina High.
Returning forward Sydnee Norwood scored a team-high 19 points and Hanning added 14 points, six assists, six rebounds and three steals as the Saints improved to 2-0 in the tournament.
“We honestly just came together as a team,” Norwood said. “Just came back stronger from last year. The coaching staff was really encouraging. We just had a great start to the season and just kept going with it. I think people under-estimated us.”
Ranked in sixth in Orange County, Crean Lutheran held No. 24 Marina (9-6) and high-scoring Rylee Bradley under 30 points for only the third time this season.
The Saints’ pressure defense, led by Jordyn Norwood and the Vanguard committed Hanning, forced 21 turnovers that led to several baskets in transition.
Bradley scored 13 of her 19 points in the first half.
“We put a big premium on defense,” said Rouse, who arrived from Westcliff University. “(Our players are) just very coachable. This isn’t a slight to the college girls I’ve coached but they’re smarter than the college groups I’ve had. … This is the smartest team I’ve coached in 20 years.”
Crean Lutheran outrebounded the Vikings 48-36 behind a game-high 10 rebounds by Elise Randolph.
The Saints’ offense received a boost from Hanning and Emma Goley, who scored 11 points off the bench.
Goley hit a 3-pointer from the corner with 18 seconds left in the half after Marina unsuccessfully argued for an illegal screen. The senior helped open a 34-14 lead at intermission.
Jane Hewitt scored six of her eight points in the third quarter as the Saints extended their advantage.
Marina wasn’t full-strength but played another strong opponent as it raises its level of competition.
“We have to continue to get better at not turning the ball over,” Vikings coach Danny Roussel said.
Crean Lutheran could face No. 5 San Clemente in the tournament final Monday night at Marina. The Tritons are also 2-0 in the tournament.
In another game:
In the SoCal Holiday Prep Classic:
In the WNBA Premier Gold Division:
Beckman 47, Oak Ridge 46 (OT): Natasha Jafari sank two free throws with about eight seconds left in overtime to lift the Patriots (10-4) in the quarterfinals at Canyon Hills High in San Diego.
Alexia Gallegos also made a pair of late foul shots in overtime as Beckman rallied to reach Saturday’s semifinals against reigning state champion Etiwanda.
Jafari and Gallegos paced Beckman with 15 and 14 points, respectively.
Related Articles
High School Sports | Malakhi Johnson leads Villa Park boys basketball to victory in Coast Classic High School Sports | El Dorado girls basketball makes late surge but loses to Lakewood in Sunny Hills tournament High School Sports | Newport Harbor boys basketball uses balanced scoring for win in Tustin tournament High School Sports | Santa Margarita and Beckman girls basketball teams post big wins in SoCal Holiday Prep Classic High School Sports | Orange County boys basketball Top 25, Dec. 24 Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Crean Lutheran girls basketball handles Marina to extend its sizzling start )
Also on site :