The North Bay League girls basketball campaign is finally underway, bringing with it plenty of intrigue and excitement in the first season following realignment.
The Lions, competing in the NBL Redwood Division, have already recorded two league wins, soundly defeating Elsie Allen (46-13) and Maria Carrillo (56-37) to continue their best start in years with an overall record of 10-7.
This week the Lions will be tested early and often, beginning with a Jan. 9 visit to Piner, followed by a Friday, Jan. 11 trip to Healdsburg. Game times for the JV and varsity are 5 and 7:30 p.m.
El Mo is taking full advantage of a strong youth movement, led by talented freshmen Ellie Roan and Talia Husary, who are among the team leaders in scoring and rebounding. Senior point guard Grace Anderson has been a rock of stability, providing great leadership on a relatively young team.
Tigers drop twoÂ
Meanwhile, the Analy Lady Tigers emerged from an outstanding 10-3 preseason with a pair of losses to open the ultra tough NBL Oak Division schedule, dropping successive games to Cardinal Newman (75-24) and Ukiah (57-45).
The Jan. 4 NBL opener with the state-ranked Cardinals was decided early, as Newman raced to 27-1 lead after one. Trailing by 31 at the half, the Tigers never got any closer in an eventual 75-24 Newman win.
Top point-getters for Analy were Sierra Atkins (7) Lucca Lowenberg (7), Luna Planty (4), Leah Lawrence (2), Lucia Jameau (2), Bailey Alberigi (1) and Aleah Armstrong (1).
The Tigers played host to Ukiah two nights later, with another slow start sabotaging an otherwise solid game. Analy trailed 22-5 after one and fought an uphill battle en route to a 57-45 loss.
Atkins recorded a season-high 17 points, while other top scorers included Minh-Tam Le (9), Bre Lawrence (5), Alberigi (4), Isabel Housman (4), Jameau (3) and Armstrong (2).
The Tigers (0-2, 10-5) will resume league action with road games at Windsor (Jan. 9) and Montgomery (Jan. 11). Tip-off times for the JV and varsity are 5 and 7:30 p.m.
