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Lady Badgers maintain streak as wins mount

Lady Badgers extend league win streak to 61 games

Mike Hackworth

(Updated: Thursday, February 04, 2010, 12:00 AM)

Yosemite High School girls basketball coach Gary Blate could not complain about his team's play after Friday's 87-31 victory over Chowchilla, registering consecutive league victory 61.

The third-ranked Badgers (20-2, 3-0 NSL) had reason to be happy after their most lopsided victory since a 79-37 win against Lemoore at the Hoover Holiday Classic in December. It was their fewest points allowed since a 64-30 win over Cimarron-Memorial of Las Vegas, also in December.

A third of the points scored Friday night were from the Yosemite bench. "My subs get plenty of opportunities to play and score," Blate said. "But when they get into the game, they don't necessarily put up good shots." Yosemite's defense had 24 turnovers forced and 19 steals. Five players had at least three steals, led by Alex Long with five.

Sydney Fipps scored 19 points; Janay Herring added 17 and five Badger players scored in double figures.

Yosemite wasted little time taking control of the game, running out a 17-0 run before Chowchilla got on the board at the 2:48 minute mark in the first quarter.

The Badgers shot a blazing 74% in the first quarter, including 7-13 from 3-point range and 18 threes on the night. Yosemite then scored eight points in 20 seconds when Amanda Rudd hit a three, Herring had a steal and trey, and Sienna Gonzales stole the ball and scored on the fast break.

The Badgers extended the lead to 41-6 before Chowchilla scored its first points of the second quarter at the 4:31 mark. Taylor Jensen, with 10 points, hit three 3-point shots coming off the bench and Devin Grant, with six points, and Joanna Barney with seven points, connected on two three's apiece.

Yosemite shot 46% from the floor 18-46 from 3-point range.

Steffanie Ceatheridge led Chowchilla with 11 points.

The Lady Badgers (3-0 NSL) lead the North Sequoia League by one game over arch rival Sierra (3-1 NSL). Yosemite is averaging 77 points per game in league play and 66 points overall. The Badgers defense allowed 45 points per game, but only allows NSL teams 36 points.

The Lady Badgers junior varsity lost in overtime, 41-38. The game was tied 34-34 in regulation time.

Both girls teams played at Kerman on Tuesday and play at Sierra tomorrow. The junior varsity plays at 3:30 p.m. and the varsity takes the floor at 6:30 p.m.