DOUBLE TROUBLE: Foothill's Tara Bokosky, middle, tries to maneuver her way between Woodbridge's Breanna Todd, left, and Sara McCutchan on a drive to the basket during Foothill's 50-33 victory on Thursday night. KEVIN SULLIVAN, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER |
Foothill takes big step in Sea View League
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The Knights' third-quarter surge helps them beat Woodbridge, 50-33, and move closer to title.
SANTA ANA Foothill's girls basketball team took a major step toward capturing the Sea View League title Thursday night, defeating Woodbridge, 50-33, at Foothill.
It was the third time No. 5 Foothill (18-3, 6-0) has defeated Woodbridge this season. Two of the victories have come in league play. The other came when Foothill defeated Woodbridge, 54-44, in the finals of Santa Ana Elks Classic on Dec. 15.
“All three were tough games,” Foothill coach Bill Seibert said.
The Knights, who shared the league title with Huntington Beach last season, appear to be in prime position. But Seibert warned there are still some challenges ahead.
“We still have to play Northwood, which is very tough, and even El Toro is tough, their record doesn't show it, but they are a tough team, and Huntington Beach is our last league game,” Seibert said. “All our (remaining opponents) are very balanced.”
Foothill had more scoring balance against No. 10 Woodbridge (18-4, 4-2). Leading the way was junior Christina Marinacci, who scored 16 points and grabbed 10 rebounds.
Woodbridge couldn't just key on Marinacci, though. Senior Elaine Lo had nine points, and junior Makenzie Hirz had eight points.
Woodbridge led four minutes into the game, 8-7, but it suffered a big blow when one of its top players, sophomore forward Ashley Ward, picked up her third foul with 5:16 left in the second quarter and was taken out of the game.
Foothill took advantage and moved out to a 23-19 lead at halftime.
The Knights broke the game open by going on a 12-1 run at the start of the third quarter, capped by a 3-pointer by Tara Bokosky.
“We made the surge in the third quarter,” Seibert said. “That's what we need to do.”
“I think that broke their back a little bit.”
Foothill led, 42-26, after three quarters, then extended its lead to 18 points early in the fourth quarter.
Ward returned early in the third quarter but did not score in the second half, winding up with seven points.
“They're a great team and Ward is a great player and she couldn't get herself going,” Seibert said. “To hold Woodbridge to 33 points is remarkable.”
Contact the writer: preps@ocregister.com
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