Petaluma’s early first quarter run proves to be too much for Justin-Siena to overcome
By Kyle Foster
Twitter: @NapaKyle @NapaSportsNews
Oftentimes, when a team gains a lead larger than 10, making a comeback can be nearly impossible.
That was what the main issue was for the Justin-Siena girls basketball team in their 38-33 loss to Petaluma.
The Trojans (9-1 overall, 8-1 Vine Valley Athletic League) jumped out to a 12-0 lead early in the first quarter. This proved to be too much for Justin-Siena (6-6, 5-4 VVAL to overcome.
“They definitely came out and threw a big first punch,” Justin-Siena head coach Andy Bettencourt said of the early run by Petaluma. “Unfortunately, we spent the entire game responding and actually outscores them the rest of the game. But being down 12-0 especially for us we are not a high-scoring team. It’s really hard to recover from and kudos to them for getting off to that fast start.”
The Braves were able to get within four points many different times throughout the contest, but could never tie it up. The slow start has been an issue lately for the Braves as well.
“I think we’re past starting to get concerned. We are concerned about it,” Bettencourt said of all the slow starts. “We need to figure out as coaches what we can do to get off to better starts.”
Leading the way for Justin-Siena was Charmaine Griffin. The junior had nine points and four rebounds.
“Charmaine had a good night tonight,” Bettencourt said of the junior guard. “We actually pulled her aside and were frustrated with her because we want her to shoot it with confidence. Kudos to her. She went out the next possession and knocked down a three with confidence. She’s a good player and excited that she was able to get some points tonight.”
Backing up her double-digit effort from Friday was Mary Huen who added six points with three rebounds.
“Mary’s getting better and better,” Bettencourt said of the sophomore. “You can say she comes off the bench, but she’s a starter for us. She finishes games. We’re very excited about Mary where she’s at right now and where she’s going.”
Leading the home team’s effort on the glass was Lexi Rosenbrand. The senior secured six rebounds while also adding in five points to the cause.
“Lexi does not get near enough credit for how important she is to our team,” Bettencourt continued. “ She does so many things for us her help defense. On offense, she’s always in the right spot. She runs our offense well. She sets good screens. She rebounds like you said. She knocks down a shot now and then. We are such a different team and like she’s not on the floor and that’s why she leads us in minutes.”
League play will continue for both teams next week. Petaluma will have a non-league game on Monday at 4 pm at San Marin before visiting crosstown rival Casa Grande on Wednesday at 7. Justin-Siena will have the league bye on Wednesday night before heading to Petaluma to face Casa Grande on Friday night at 7 pm.
In both teams’ previous meetings with the Gauchos, Petaluma beat Casa Grande 36-31 on April 30th. On May 5th, Justin-Siena beat Casa Grande 27-22.
