With just three games remaining in the regular season, the Pierce girls’ basketball team finds itself in sole possession of first place in the Sacramento Valley League, after picking up wins last week over Live Oak, Colusa, and Durham.
Much of the team’s success rests with the play of junior Jocelyn Medina, who leads the Northern Section in scoring with a 38.3 average, and continues to close in on records for most points and most field goals made in a season.
In the Bears’ 68-17 win over Live Oak on Jan. 24, Medina dropped a cool 40 points, then followed up with 49 at home to power the Bears, as they toppled rival Colusa 59-37 on Jan. 26.
It was a sluggish start for Pierce against the RedHawks, as they held just a four point advantage at half, but, after making a few adjustments, opened the game up in the third quarter.
Medina had a big second half, scoring 32 of her game-high 49 points, but Pierce coach Taylor McGuire also pointed to the play of seniors Mayra Sanchez and Jaylianna Valencia in turning the tide of the game.
“Jay and Myra responded really well in the second half,” said McGuire. “They worked hard underneath, blocking out and making quick outlet passes.”
Also serving to hamper the RedHawks’ effort was Pierce’s full court defensive pressure, which forced Colusa into 35 turnovers.
Senior Abby Myers led the RedHawks with a team-high 16 points. Freshman Danica Chavez tossed in 11 points and senior Reese Roper brought down 12 rebounds for Colusa (14-7, 6-1), who saw their six game win streak come to an end.
Pierce (15-6, 5-0) then concluded last week with a 50-34 win over Durham, although statistics were not available by the Pioneer Review print deadline, and rounds out the regular season this week having hosted Winters on Tuesday, before hitting the road to take on Colusa again tonight, and returning to Natalie Corona Gymnasium on Friday.
The RedHawks, who got back to their winning ways against Live Oak last Friday, saw Willows come to town Tuesday night, Pierce tonight, and then will make their way to Paradise Friday evening.■