Lady Tigers play in memory of fallen coach
The Analy Lady Tigers won one for “coach” last week, claiming wins in their final two outings to grab a share of the Sonoma County League basketball championship.
Victories over Piner (48-36) and El Molino (56-20) lifted the Tigers into a first-place tie with defending champion Sonoma Valley at 11-1, four full games up on Petaluma (7-5) and Healdsburg (7-5). Rounding out the conference standings are Piner (4-8), El Molino (2-10) and Elsie Allen (0-12).
Analy will now assume the top seed in the SCL playoffs, which start on Thursday, Feb. 18, (6:30 p.m.) against number four seeded Healdsburg. Should Analy win, it will advance to face either Sonoma Valley or Petaluma in the tourney championship this Saturday, Feb. 20, at Santa Rosa Junior College. Tip-off is 6:30 p.m.
The road to the league title began in November with a team torn by tragedy, but fueled with the memory of their late head coach Tom Corriveau, who passed away suddenly last June at the age of 57.
The team pulled together during the summer program, and in grief formed a bond that would not be broken, win or lose.
“These girls were asked to do something none of us should have to, go on playing a sport without their leader,” noted head coach Earl Pasamonte, who stepped in to take the reigns. “This was a group with grit, determination, resilience, and a work ethic like few that I’ve seen. I’m so proud to call these girls my team. Tonight, almost four months later, they got what they deserve, a banner to call their own. Like coach Tom always told them, ‘Play with heart.’”
Tigers forge title
Analy (16-10) kicked off the final week of league with no room for error, playing host to visiting Piner on Feb. 9. The Tigers took charge early, racing to a 27-17 lead at the half. Analy increased the advantage to 15 after three en route to a 48-36 win. Top contributors included Sophie McFadin (13 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 4 steals), Sarah Brown (10 points, 4 boards, 1 rebound, 3 steals), DJ Hayes (7 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 5 steals), Samantha Gonzales (6 points, 1 steal, 1 block), Bella Niedermair (6 points, 4 rebounds), Bailey Hunter (4 points, 5 boards, 2 assists, 5 steals) and Saja Spearman-Weaver (8 rebounds, 4 blocks).
The Tigers had their title hopes on the line against visiting El Molino in the second of two scheduled “Apple” games on Feb. 12, and they responded with an outstanding half to take a 35-11 cushion at the break. The Lions battled to stay in within striking distance but the Tigers would power to a 56-20 win.
Top point-getters for Analy included Niedermair (17 points, 9 rebounds), McFadin (8 points, 6 boards), Brown (6 points), and Hayes (5 points, 3 steals).
Leading scorers for the Lions were Chloe Kliegi (8 points), Emily Dean (5 points, 10 rebounds), Gabby Bushgen (4 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals), Christine Hammer (2 points, 2 rebounds) and Kristine Daniels (1 point, 3 boards).
El Molino finished the season with a record of 5-22.
“It was a great season, and the girls played hard,” El Mo coach Keith Nordby said. “We’re losing six seniors this year and they’ll be missed.”
