Orange Lutheran girls basketball handles Beckman to bolster playoff resume ...Middle East

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NORCO — Orange Lutheran’s girls basketball team recently welcomed a surprise on-court addition, and she paid major dividends Saturday night at the Norco showcase.

Senior guard Kelly Garrity, who was believed to be lost for the season with a knee injury, played in her fourth game and helped the Lancers secure an important 53-40 victory against Beckman at Norco High.

Garrity provided steady decision-making on offense and defense as the Lancers (12-8) clinched at least a .500 overall record, which is required to apply for an at-large playoff bid.

Freshman Kayla Watanabe scored a game-high 21 points and fellow 9th grader Olivia Taleon added 15 points as Orange Lutheran handled the Patriots (15-7), ranked ninth in Orange County.

“We needed that win,” said Lancers coach Lindsay Charity, whose 12th-ranked squad is 0-2 in the the challenging Trinity League. “(We) qualified for playoffs, which is a big goal. Happy we did that tonight.”

“The girls have been grinding,” the coach added.

Orange Lutheran continued to rejoice in the return of Garrity, a four-year starter and member of two CIF-SS championship teams.

She tore her meniscus in June and underwent her first surgery in July. The Northwest Nazarene commit underwent a second surgery on Dec. 13 and returned last weekend on Senior Day.

“Before I had surgery, (doctors) thought the injury was worse than it was,” Garrity said. “I did lots of physical therapy. I knew my body and I felt ready to go.”

“I want to help my team,” she added. “It’s a lot of fun (to be back). Just sitting and watching made me realize how much I love being out there. I’m happy I’m able to play with some of the freshmen that I thought I wasn’t going to play with.”

Before her return, Garrity earned strong reviews for her coaching from the bench. But on Saturday, she contributed six points, eight rebounds, two steals and two assists.

“She knows what the pressure is,” Charity said. “She brings a level of calmness to us.”

Garrity started with Watanabe, sophomores Lexi Joko and Jocelyn Thompson and junior Emalynn Vong.

Watanabe contributed seven rebounds, four blocks, six steals and four assists in a well-rounded effort.

Orange Lutheran went on an 11-0 run the first quarter en route to 17-7 lead after eight minutes. Watanabe opened the second period with a steal and three-point play off a layup and foul shot.

Watanabe and Taleon then combined for a 7-0 run to close the second quarter as Orange Lutheran took a 37-17 lead into halftime.

The Lancers used their height advantage to outrebound Beckman in the first half.

The Patriots started the third quarter by making three consecutive 3-pointers. Sophomore Jeanette Fabella sank two while junior Taylor Tam added one. But the Lancers steadied themselves for the statement victory.

Beckman lost its third game against a Trinity League opponent.

“It’s where we want to be — not league wise but physicality wise,” said Patriots coach Jason Edgmond, whose team earlier lost to JSerra 63-50 and Santa Margarita 62-37.

Freshman Aksharaa Prakashchander paced Beckman with 11 points, including three of the Patriots’ seven 3s. Fabella chipped in 10 points.

Beckman and Orange Lutheran return to league play Tuesday. The Patriots play at No. 24 El Toro in the Sea View League while the Lancers travel to top-ranked Mater Dei in the Trinity League.

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