Sophomore Melissa Fletcher led four players in double figures with 20 points as Leland defeated visiting Independence, 67-39, Thursday night in Blossom Valley Athletic League-Santa Teresa Division girls basketball action.
The Chargers (7-7, 3-1) used constant ball movement that kept the 76ers (2-9, 1-2) off balance all night.
Senior Ally Calvert (14 points), junior Lexi Belligan (12) and senior Kristina Windham (10) also scored in double figures for the Chargers.
“It was really important for us that we won this game tonight against Independence, considering that we lost to them last season,” Leland forward Hannah Wiselogel said.
Right from the opening tip the Lady Chargers took possession of the ball and began to show their trademark impressive ball movement, especially involving guards - Fletcher and Windham.
Leland led 23-5 at the end of the first quarter as Fletcher scored the game's first six points.
“Ball movement and cuts were very good as a whole across the first half, and that (got) us off to a good start,” Leland coach Terry Smith said.
Added Windham: "I think as a whole, we played really well, we managed to cut inside and played the game like it was our own,” Windham said.
The Chargers went into halftime with a 37-12 lead and although the teams played pretty much even in the second half, the Chargers had built enough of a cushion to cruise to victory.
"Both teams played hard, and (had) a good attitude," Independence assistant coach Steve Dobrenz said.
Denise Santos led Independence with 11 points.
