Casa Grande’s huge second quarter proves to be difference on way to beat Justin-Siena, stay atop VVAL
By Kyle Foster
Twitter: @NapaKyle @NapaSportsNews
Every mistake is magnified when you’re playing against one of the top two teams in the league. A run here or there could be the difference or a particular few possessions. The point is mistakes hurt more against teams at the top of their game.
On Tuesday night, Casa Grande of Petaluma showed why they are co-leader in the Vine Valley Athletic League as they beat Justin-Siena, 61-55, in a game played in the Daniel J. Clark Gym.
The Gauchos (11-8 overall, 4-1 VVAL) found themselves down 14-12 at the end of the first quarter. However, something clicked as the second got underway. After all, Casa Grande went on a huge 20-0 run that suddenly gave them a 32-14 lead before a bucket by Megha Jackson ended the run with 3:10 left in the first half.
In the second quarter, Casa Grande would outscore Justin-Siena 24-9, with the Braves going on a 9-4 run to end the period.
“I think obviously, they made some good adjustments,” Justin-Siena head coach Andy Bettencourt said as to what happened when the Gauchos went on their massive run to begin the second quarter. “I thought they did a really nice job of getting the ball to the rim. We just did not do a good job of stopping them from getting to the rim.”
Out of the break, Justin-Siena (8-9, 2-2 VVAL) came out with a renewed sense of urgency as they were able to cut the deficit to six, which would be the closest they were all night when trailing. They were able to do this because they went on a nice 7-0 run that made the score 36-30.
“I think our kids just came out with a renewed focus,” Bettencourt explained as to what had changed in the first few moments in the second half. “I think they were a little upset at how the second quarter had gone and really came out to send a message. Unfortunately, when you go down by that much, it’s just really hard to climb that hill all the way to the top. We kept cutting it but it’s really hard, especially against a good team, and that’s a good team.”
After a Casa Grande timeout, they went on an 11-0 burst that pushed the lead back to double-digits.
Leading the Braves and having one of the best games in her two seasons so far was Jordan Washington. The sophomore finished with a team-high of 24 points, 11 rebounds, and a blocked shot for a double-double. She made 10 of 13 free throws as well. Washington also scored 15 points in the second half as well.
“I thought Jordan had determination underneath to just not be denied,” Bettencourt pointed out. “She shot free throws well from what I can remember and I really thought too she hit a couple of outside shots, which is a developing part of her game. She’s actually a really good outside shooter and I’m glad to see her going for those shots.”
Also having a nice game was Lauren Keller. The freshman finished with 16 points and grabbed 3 rebounds. She scored 14 points in the second half in this one as well.
“She’s had a few of these this year,” Bettencourt explained. “I think the big thing for Lauren is she’s capable of this every night. She’s that good of a player. It’s just now finding that consistency to try and do it on a consistent basis.”
Others scoring for the Braves were Mary Heun (3 points, 6 rebounds), Emery Messenger (3 points), Taylor Stoppello (3 points), Neveena Jackson (2 points, 5 rebounds, 1 blocked shot), Megha Jackson (2 points, 2 rebounds), and Bella Balmaceda (2 points, 1 blocked shot).
Both teams will continue VVAL play this week when they face Sonoma Valley. On Thursday night, Justin-Siena will host Sonoma while Casa will visit them on Saturday night. Both games are at 7 PM.
