San Marcos played its best game of the season and defeated Channel League girls basketball co-leader Oxnard, 61-57, on Tuesday night to move into tie for first place with the Yellow Jackets and Pacifica.
“Great overall game,” said San Marcos coach Tiffany Simms. “Our best game of the season. The offense was moving and scoring, defense was solid and working together. Everyone played with heart and hustle.”
Michelle Arellanes led three Royals in double figures with 20 points, Mia Martinez-Tomatis scored 15 points and Mariia Shytkova added 12 points.
San Marcos is now 4-2 in league and 9-6 overall. Oxnard is 5-2 in league (14-6 overall) and Pacifica is 5-2 after falling to Ventura, 50-33, on Tuesday.
Simms gave a shout out to her bench for their “communication and keeping the team energy up.”
Buena 42, Santa Barbara 25
Santa Barbara stayed close with Buena in the first half, but the Bulldogs took control of the Channel League game in the second half and beat the Dons, 42-25, on Tuesday night.
The Dons were outscored 16-5 in the second half after trailing 26-20 at halftime.
Santa Barbara (1-5, 2-14) committed 21 turnovers in the game.
“Our defense and rebounding continue to improve, as does our transition defense,” said Santa Barbara coach Andrew Butcher. “Turnovers in the second half limited our scoring potential, but we were still within 10 midway through the fourth quarter.”
Jazz Gordon made 4 of 5 shots and scored 12 points to lead Santa Barbara. She also grabbed seven rebounds to tie Dayzia Mendoza for team honors.
Dos Pueblos 57, Rio Mesa 50
Justine Katz had a monster game for the Chargers, scoring 28 points, grabbing eight rebounds, making four steals and four assists in the Channel League win.
Evette Allen grabbed 10 rebounds and had three steals, Lauren Robles tossed in 11 points, Carly Letendre had 11 rebounds and eight points, and Gianna Nichols grabbed 10 boards for DP.
“Justine is a special player and is doing a great job in being a leader,” said coach Manny Murillo. “It was our effort in fronting the post, rebounding, and playing hard for each other that I was happy with. We played hard from the beginning to the end and everyone played a lot.”
He praised the hustle of Allen.
“Evette was involved in almost every play on defense. She was diving on the floor, battling players taller, bigger, and stronger. Her attitude and effort was amazing tonight. And that was a major difference in the game,” he said.
Channel Islands 54, Carpinteria 36
Carpinteria struggled in the Citrus Coast League game against Channel Islands.
The Warriors fell to 2-4 in league and 8-10 overall.
“Though we did not play our best game, I know and believe our team will bounce back with Warrior Spirit,” said coach Henry Gonzales.
Carpinteria is at Hueneme on Thursday.