Campolindo, like every other DFAL team, has no realistic shot against Miramonte, but the Cougars (19-4, 7-2) can still make plenty of noise.
“We spent a lot of time team building and the locker room has been incredible,” said coach Art Thoms, who took over in 2012-13. “It is amazing how much fun they have had this season. There are a lot of fundamental things the girls have improved such as footwork, finishing moves, shot and ball fakes. We have an aggressive group that likes to anticipate passes, but that sometimes gives us trouble with our defensive rotations.”
Campolindo has won eight of its last nine and scored at least 64 points in each of those wins. The Cougars start four sophomores: Haley Van Dyke, a post player with point forward skills who has already recorded 17 double-doubles; Aubrey Wagner, a transfer from Bentley who is an able scorer and contributes in just about every way; Ashley Thoms, Art’s daughter, who displays a silky outside touch; and Jessi O’Reilly. Emily Lyall is the team’s lone senior in the playing rotation, while Grace McGuire is a another sophomore to watch.
“If they love to come to practice and play basketball they will excel,” Thoms said. “Our focus has been with all the girls to enjoy each other, have fun, and work hard.”
Acalanes derails Pittsburg
Their head coach may not have been in the building, but the Acalanes Dons didn’t miss a beat, topping Pittsburg in a non-league home match, 54-42. Emma Godfrey and Brooke Panfili scored 16 points apiece, Roni Marrone added 13, and Julia Lyons had four key assists in the second half for Acalanes.
The Pirates struggled all game, finishing with a shooting percentage under 33 percent and having no players reach double digits. Kiani Stanton controlled the paint with 19 rebounds, but a good number of those were off her own or her teammate’s many misses.
“They love playing with each other, love sharing the ball,” Acalanes assistant coach Matt Tanico said. “We relish the opportunity to play a Division I school. They’re a good, physical, big team. It’s a good test.” Tanico stepped in for head coach Chad Wellon.
Acalanes (16-6) might not duplicate or exceed last season’s win total of 23 games, but currently have a better ranking than it finished with in 2014-15. Pittsburg (also 16-6) has to win nine more to equal last year’s mark of 25. Each team has four league games left, and will play in the postseason.
Shayla Newman's big week
Montgomery’s sophomore post Shayla Newman had a pair of outstanding performances last week. She tallied 29 points, 25 rebounds, and seven blocks against Rancho Cotate, and two days later had 18 points and 18 rebounds versus Windsor.
She’s averaging 15.5 points and 11.6 boards per game, improvements on strong freshman numbers of 12.4 points and 9.4 rebounds.
“Shayla was very shy as a freshman and I had questions about how quickly she would be able to respond to the faster pace, stronger opponents, and more competitive energy at the varsity level,” coach Steve Bell said. “Frequently drawing double teams, she has become much stronger and a better decision maker in those situations,” Bell adds, “and it’s clear she has put in the time both on and off the court to improve her skills, abilities, and overall knowledge of the game.”
Newman got into basketball thanks primarily to her older brother and credits an elementary school coach with excelling her interest.
“My brother taught me to play with my heart, and always keep my passion for the game,” Newman said. “My fifth grade basketball coach took me under her wing and taught me everything I know.”
Montgomery (17-7, 8-4) has already exceeded the win totals of each of the last two years.
“Shayla leads by example, through her talents, non-stop efforts, willingness to learn, and genuine good character,” Bell said. “Her consistent contributions continue to provide a very positive effect on the team.”
Newman has 12 double-doubles, including in each of the last four contests. But she is looking beyond scoring more points or gobbling more rebounds.
“One of my personal goals is to improve my communication skills,” Newman said. “Not only on the court, but off the court - encouraging my teammates to play with their heart, and always strive for their personal best.”
And for all her seriousness, she’s not immune to light-hearted moments.
“After a recent league game, a teammate point out during our post-game review that Shayla had played the entire game with her uniform shorts on backwards,” Bell said. “True to form, Shayla simply blushed and flashed a big smile.”
Topsy-turvy BVAL
Pittsburg, Heritage, and Liberty have been clawing and scratching their way to a BVAL title all season, and when Heritage defeated Pittsburg back on January 29, the Patriots seemed they would be the team to beat. But then Liberty capped Heritage last week, 54-47, at home.
Three days earlier, the Lions fell to the Pirates, 56-55. Seuvahnia Kuka had a team-high 24 in that game, while according to a Twitter comment, there were three lead changes in the last 20 seconds and Adorah Buggs won it with a free throw.
When the dust settled, Heritage and Pittsburg sat atop the league at 5-1, with Liberty a game behind at 4-2. The Patriots and Pirates will meet again at Heritage on the 16th, while the Lions will host the Pirates in the season finale on the 19th.
