It’s been a challenging start in pre-season hoops for local
girls teams, with Analy and El Molino struggling to find wins in
the early going.
Both teams will participate in the annual Puma Invitational
Tournament hosted by Maria Carrillo this Thursday-Saturday (Dec.
9-11).
Lady Lions getting battle-tested
El Molino (3-4) is in the middle of a busy stretch in its
pre-season schedule, having already played seven games in a 14-day
period.
Last weekend, the Lions went south for a tournament at Marin
Academy, dropping games to St. Joseph’s, 72-18, and Rincon Valley
Christian, 45-33 before bouncing back to beat Bently, 62-45.
“We didn’t have a very good weekend and are still learning to
play together under a new system,” said El Mo coach and 2001 alum
Melissa Jones. “We’re just focusing on moving in the right
direction and playing a little better every time. We know it’s
going to take time to start playing well together, and I’ve seen
flashes where we look really good,” she added.
After suffering a blowout loss to St. Joseph’s in the Marin
Academy tourney opener, El Mo turned in a much better showing
against RVC on Friday. Despite a strong effort, the Lions fell,
45-33. Top scorers were Shayna Levine (11 points), and Kerri
Rampone (9 points).
El Mo was back in the win column in Saturday’s final against
Bently, getting good production from Levine (15), Rampone (11), and
Siera Taylor (9).
Analy looking for wins
The defending Sonoma County League champion Lady Tigers are off
to 1-3 start after dropping all three games played last weekend in
the tough Acalanes Prep Classic Tournament.
Analy fell to Sacred Heart Cathedral (SF) in the opener, 56-48,
lost to Vanden of Fairfield, 66-50, and dropped a 45-43 decision to
Acalanes in the get-away game.
The Tigers have finalized their roster of 13 players, including
seven returners and six first-year varsity players. Returning
veteran seniors are center Ali Van Houten, power forward Chelsea
Pricert, guard Molly Schuster, and guard Katy Lowry. Returning
juniors are guard Kelley Benck, and Tricia Klebe, and forward Eva
Teekasingh. Newcomers include senior Claire Sullivan, juniors
Kristina Brockman, Savannah McNichol, Adri Fernandez, Ali Rudee
Grapp, and Nina Henelsmith.
The Lady Tigers will open the Puma Invitational tourney on
Thursday, Dec. 9 at 7 p.m. against Justin Siena.
