Playing on the road in Shasta Lake last Tuesday night, the Colusa RedHawk girls’ basketball team saw its season come to an end in the first round of the Northern Section CIF Division IV playoffs, as it fell 44-25 to No. 8 seeded Central Valley.
No. 9 Colusa, suiting just seven for the contest, had a four-point lead after the first quarter, but the Falcons broke the game open, as they outscored the RedHawks 32-14 over the second and third periods.
Freshman Danica Chavez finished with 12 points and eight rebounds to pace Colusa, who also got six points and five rebounds from junior Jessica Deniz.
Despite the loss, it was a solid season for the RedHawks (17-10), and an indicator that a promising future lies ahead, given that they will lose just three seniors off the roster.
A core of returners including Chavez, Deniz, and recent freshman call-up Addison Lay should provide a strong foundation, while juniors Karsyn Gwinnup, Anjelica Avina, Lexi Avera, and Alexa Gutierrez have all gotten valuable experience and have the potential to make significant contributions next season.
Additionally, the RedHawks have a number of JV players that could add further depth.
If things play out as expected, look for Colusa to be a factor in the Sacramento Valley League again next season.■