San Marcos girls basketball opened its season with a 57-52 non-league victory over Righetti on Thursday inside the Thunderhut.
“We got some big plays from the whole team on both ends of the court,” San Marcos head coach Devin Uyesaka said. “(There’s) lots to be happy about, but still lots of work to be done.”
The Royals were ready to roll from the opening tip, pouring in 21 points in the opening quarter to build an early lead.
“Righetti is a good team. They have a lot of returners and they’re well coached,” Uyesaka said. “Even with an early lead, we knew Righetti had the potential to make a run, and they did just that, grinding their way back.”
While Righetti continued to battle back, the San Marcos defense made clutch stops in the second half to maintain the lead. Jada Ahmad led the way with 13 deflections and two steals on the defensive end.
In the final minute of the fourth, the Royals were hanging onto a three-point lead with possession of the ball. Piper Kittle then knocked down a clutch three to go up six points and ice the game.
Isabela Schow led San Marcos with 13 points, while Ahmad chipped in 12 to go along with her strong defensive showing.
“Our post players did an amazing job on the boards and contributed with great opportunities in the paint,” Uyesaka said. “We got great energy minutes from Janelle Capuno. She really gave us a spark.”
The Royals (1-0) will take next week off before hitting the road to take on Cabrillo on Tuesday, Dec. 2, at 7 p.m.
Santa Barbara High 47, Valley Christian 42
The Dons picked up their first win of the season in their second game of the Bird Cage Classic on Thursday inside the Brick House.
“We are playing four freshmen and they are all contributing at a very high level. They complement our returners well,” Santa Barbara High head coach Andrew Butcher said.
After Valley Christian jumped out to a 15-8 lead after the first quarter, the Santa Barbara High defense held its opponent to single digits in each of the next two quarters.
Meanwhile, the Dons’ offense found a groove and built up a 36-32 lead with one quarter to play.
The fourth quarter was a back-and-forth affair, but Santa Barbara High fended off the late comeback effort to secure the win.
Amelia Lopez filled up the box score for the Dons with a team-high 19 points, eight assists, six rebounds and four steals. Rosie Dionicio followed with 10 points of her own.
“Amelia controlled the game on the offensive end, running the and plays as well as the fast break,” Butcher said. “Defensively, Rosie Dionicio was outstanding defending their point guard.”
Santa Barbara High will host Newbury Park on Friday at 7 p.m.
Dos Pueblos 75, Moorpark 26
The Chargers led from start to finish en route to a lopsided non-league win over Moorpark on Thursday.
After a slow first quarter that ended with Dos Pueblos up 13-5, the Chargers erupted for 23 points in the second to pull away for good.
Carly Letendre poured in 30 points to lead the Chargers, along with eight steals and seven assists. Letendre’s eight swipes led a 24-steal effort from Dos Pueblos.
Meanwhile, Kindah Ahmad-Reda tallied 18 points and Asha Nayek ended the night with 13.
Dos Pueblos (2-1) will take on Trinity Classical on Friday at Thousand Oaks High.
Bishop Diego 46, Lompoc 43
The Cardinals pulled out a tight victory over the Braves on Thursday in the Bird Cage Classic inside the Brick House.
“We had players playing out of position tonight but the team really pulled together,” Bishop Diego head coach Jeff Burich said. “I could not be more proud of the effort the six girls put together tonight.”
The Cardinals turned in a strong first half, leading 24-15 by halftime. However, Lompoc bounced back and cut the Bishop Diego lead down to 30-27 heading into the fourth.
In the fourth quarter, the Cardinals began attacking the basket with consistency and Jaymi Coronado nailed a clutch three-pointer to give her team the lead for good.
Jaymi Coronado led the offensive attack with 25 points, while her sister Jeisa chipped in 10 of her own. Meanwhile, Alyssa Chrestenson made a strong impact on the defensive end and in the paint.
Bishop Diego (2-0) will take on Valley Christian Academy on Friday at 7 p.m. inside the Brick House.
Carpinteria High 61, East Bakersfield 49
The Warriors secured a comeback victory over East Bakersfield on Thursday in the Bird Cage Classic inside the Brick House.
East Bakersfield had control of the game in the first half, holding a 14-9 lead after the first quarter and extending it to 35-23 by halftime.
“I challenged the girls about their mental and physical toughness and to not be okay with how things were going,” Carpinteria High head coach Henry Gonzales said. “We also changed our defense from man to man to a match-up zone defense.
“I am proud to say the girls responded in a resounding way and played with tremendous enthusiasm, determination, and toughness.”
The Warriors came out of the break on fire, outscoring East Bakersfield 19-6 in the third quarter to grab a slim 42-41 lead with one quarter to play.
The Carpinteria High defense continued to dominate and provide offensive opportunities on the other end in the fourth en route to the 61-49 win.
Charlotte Cooney’s 23 points led the Warriors, while Jamaica Cook hauled in 16 rebounds. Meanwhile, Gia Sharma and Leona McClellan also reached double figures with 11 and 10 points, respectively.
“I am very pleased that we responded to the adversity with tremendous grit and togetherness,” Gonzales said.
The Warriors (1-1) will be on the road against Hueneme for their Citrus Coast League opener on Friday.
Laguna Blanca 25, Dunn 23
The Owls pulled out a defensive battle against Dunn in their season opener on Thursday.
After trailing by eight points in the fourth quarter, Carol Duron-Angeles led Laguna Blanca to the comeback win to begin the 2025-26 campaign.
“They say defense wins games, and that rang true tonight,” Owls head coach Charlie Aslesen said. “Both teams played incredible defense, keeping this a low-scoring game, but the excitement was high from the opening tip to the sound of the final buzzer.”
Laguna Blanca will be back in action against Hillcrest Christian on Tuesday, Dec. 2.
Santa Ynez 47, Nipomo 32
The Pirates took care of business with a win over Nipomo in their season opener on Thursday.
“The girls started the season 1-0, playing with impressive intensity, unity and focus tonight,” Santa Ynez head coach Jennifer Rasmussen said. “We only lost one senior from last year’s team, so we are looking forward to this year.”
Lexi Molera led the Pirate offense with 14 points, while Helina Pecile tallied nine points, 12 rebounds, five steals and two assists.
Jasmine Juarez (9 points, 7 rebounds) and Rylan Agin (6 points, 6 rebounds) each had solid nights in the paint as well.