Dos Pueblos girls basketball pulled off a comeback 58-57 upset victory over previously undefeated Rancho Bernardo on Thursday at the SoCal Classic Tournament.
“This has been our best game so far this year in many ways,” Chargers coach Manny Murillo said. “Our energy, effort, attitude and selflessness won us the game tonight.”
After struggling to hit shots, a rare occurrence for this high-powered Dos Pueblos squad, the Chargers found themselves trailing the No. 2 ranked team in San Diego by 14 points at halftime.
“Our message at half was simple,” Murillo said. “To continue to play our game and play for each other and the shots will fall.”
That message was effective, as Dos Pueblos began the third quarter on a 9-0 run to cut the lead down to five thanks to solid defense and transition offense.
The momentum carried all throughout the third, as the Chargers dropped 26 points in the quarter including nine points from both Carly Letendre and Justine Katz.
The comeback effort continued in the fourth quarter, but this time it was the defense getting the job done. Dos Pueblos buckled down and held Rancho Bernardo to seven points in the fourth to pull out the victory.
“Our pace and in-your-face defense was the reason for [the strong fourth quarter],” Murillo said. “I think their best players ran out of gas while we could have played another quarter.
“Our staff really trusts and believes in this group to compete and play selflessly.”
Katz poured in 23 points on the night to lead the team while Letendre and Eden Wynne joined her in double figures with 11 and 10 points, respectively.
Meanwhile, Taylor Grant tallied eight points and nine rebounds in a solid all-around performance.
“It was a huge win for us as a family and as a program,” Murillo said. “It were those effort plays that set us apart tonight and earned us the W.”
The Chargers (10-3) have a matchup with Cathedral Christian on Friday.
Bishop Diego Sweeps Doubleheader
The Cardinals won both games of their doubleheader on Thursday, taking down Vaughn and Avalon in the Avalon Classic Tournament.
Against Vaughn, Bishop Diego came away with a 49-25 victory thanks to 17 points from Jaymi Coronado and nine points chipped in by Galilea De La Cruz.
In the second game of the day, a dominant first half powered the Cardinals to a 47-23 win over Avalon.
Bishop Diego led 27-4 at halftime and cruised to the win from there. De La Cruz led the team with 17 points while Jiali Coronado collected 13.
“When we moved the ball, we were very successful on offense,” Cardinals coach Jeff Burich said. “I was pleased with our defensive rotation in both games.”
The Cardinals (14-2) will play for third place against Pacifica Christian on Friday.
