Woodbridge charges into 2A title game
Click here to see photos from the semifinal games.
POMONA – Ashley Ward scored 23 points and Woodbridge staged a second-half comeback to defeat Diamond Ranch of Pomona, 42-34, in a CIF-SS Division 2A girls basketball semifinal game at Ganesha High on Saturday night.
It marked the second consecutive year that the Warriors (27-5) have beaten the Panthers (26-3) in the semifinals.
Woodbridge, which has won 16 consecutive games, advances to meet Mater Dei in next week's final. Mater defeated Beverly Hills, 80-63, in the other semifinal game.
"It's amazing, and we're all excited about going back to the finals," said Ward, who wore a face guard to protect a broken nose she suffered several weeks ago in practice. "We had to buckle down, stop rushing and slow down the pace. We slowed it down and played great defense."
Midway through the third quarter, the Warriors' attack looked bleak and they appeared on the verge of defeat. Ariana Caffey's basket with 4:45 left in the quarter gave Diamond Ranch a 26-19 lead.
However, Ward and Erin Beadle sparked a Woodbridge surge and turned the tide of the game. Ward and Beadle combined to score four baskets in the final 3:25 of the quarter, highlighting a Warriors' 8-0 run and propelling Woodbridge to a 27-26 lead after three quarters.
The Warriors defense also stepped up as they forced the Panthers into seven consecutive turnovers to end the quarter.
"We never doubted ourselves," said Beadle, who scored five points and had several critical steals down the stretch. "We picked up our defense and became more focused."
With 2:58 left in the game Diamond Ranch regained the lead, 32-31, on a basket by Janelle Kearney. Sarah Lipton then hit back-to-back layups for the Warriors and Ward followed by delivering the knockout punch as she completed a 3-point play with 1:17 left, giving Woodbridge a 38-32 lead.
Woodbridge coach Eric Bangs said his team's patience paid off.
"Our girls need to be commended," said Bangs. "They beat one of the best teams and it took a great effort to do it. This is what we've dreamed of going back to the finals. I'm so proud of these girls."
After a slow start Sara McCutchan had a big fourth quarter for Woodbridge as she scored six points and pulled down six rebounds. Kearney led the Panthers with 10 points.
In the first quarter the Warriors took an early lead but Diamond Ranch rallied and led 15-12 after the first quarter. In the second quarter the Panthers held the Warriors to only just three free throws but struggled themselves offensively and led 21-15 at halftime.
