Ready or not the Sonoma County League basketball gets underway this week for the Analy and El Molino girls, with both teams emerging from a challenging pre-league schedule.
Analy (5-9) will kick off SCL action on Friday, Jan. 8 with a home date against defending league champion Sonoma Valley, and visit Petaluma on Monday, Jan. 11. Tip-off times starting with the frosh are 4:30/6/7:30 p.m.
The Tigers are fresh off participation in the annual West Coast Jamboree Tournament on Dec. 28-30, notching one win in three outings in the Quartz Division. Analy started the tourney with a 38-27 win over Bulach Colony of Atwater, but dropped successive games against Middletown (48-21) and Roseville (45-42).
The Dec. 28 meeting with Bulach Colony was a defensive gem for the Tigers, holding their opponent to just three points in both the second and third quarters en route to a 38-27 win. Top scorers were Sophie McFadin (9 points) and Sarah Brown (8 points, 6 rebounds).
Game two against Middletown did not go as well, as the Mustangs held Analy to single digits in each quarter for their lowest point total of the season in a 48-21 rout (no stats available).
The Tigers squared off with Roseville in the getaway game on Dec. 30, clawing back from a 10-point halftime deficit to make a game of it. Analy mounted a spirited comeback after intermission but the rally would fall short as Roseville hung on for a 45-42 win. Brown poured in a game-high 16 points to earn all-tourney honors.
Lions battle pre-league foes
Wins have been a precious commodity in the preseason for the El Molino girls, most recently logging three games in the Lower Lake Tournament during the holiday break.
The Lions weathered setbacks to College Prep (50-33), Hoopa (51-47) and St. Patrick/St. Vincent (86-25). Garnering All-Tournament honors were Emily Dean and Gabby Bushgen.
Despite the challenges, El Molino coach Keith Nordby was happy with the effort put in by his players.
“Our girls play so hard the score doesn’t do them justice,” Nordby said.
At press time El Molino (2-13) was preparing to open the SCL schedule against visiting Petaluma on Jan. 6, followed by a home date with Piner on Friday, Jan. 8. Varsity tip-off is 7:30 p.m.
