By Katie Von Behren
Staff Writer
With the competition in Bay League heating up and the race for the CIF playoffs approaching, the Mira Costa girls basketball team defeated Peninsula High School, 50-32, at home on Tuesday. The girls now have a 17-9 overall record and a 7-2 league record this season.
Sophomore point guard Keilani Ikehara led Costa in scoring with 13 points in the game and three three-pointers. She was followed by junior guard Camille Mills, who had nine points. Ikehara began the game with two consecutive two-pointers to make the score 4-3. Senior forward Taylor Lewis made both of her free throws to end the first quarter.
“I think we really delivered and have been playing to our full potential in our past few games,” Lewis said. “At this point in the season, everyone’s role on the team is very clear, and I feel that we have nowhere to go from here except up.”
In the first quarter, Mills scored three points and had two rebounds. With three seconds left in the first quarter, senior guard Sophie Kohrogi made a two-point shot that gave the Mustangs a lead of 15-5 as they went into the second quarter.
“We played really well because we knew going in that this was going to be a tough game,” Mills said. “We didn’t let anything intimidate us and came out with a lot of energy. It paid off in the end.”
In the second quarter, junior guard Shaylyn Austin scored four points. Ikehara also aided in Costa’s effort by making her first three-pointer of the game. The Mustangs were able to secure their lead and finished the half at 27-12.
“There was a lot on the line in this game, and that may have gotten in the girls’ head a bit in the beginning of the game,” coach Miranda Biteler said. “But once they loosened up, they were able to play to the best of their ability.”
Ikehara made another three-point shot during the third quarter. The girls finished the third quarter ahead, 34-23.
“I am so proud of our team, especially because I think we have bonded well on the court,” senior center Rachel Humphrey said. “We work well together, and our defense is leading to a great offense. I’m really lucky to get the chance to be a part of such a great team.”
In the fourth quarter, senior guard Morgan Thaler and Austin both scored one two-pointer, and Ikehara made her third three-pointer of the game. Sophomore point guard Haley Tojo and senior guard Cameryn Chan scored two points each, helping the Mustangs finish with a win.
The girls played Palos Verdes at home on Thursday, but results were unavailable due to time of publication.
“The girls have grown together and are believing in each other,” Biteler said. “As any team, we hope to continue to win in League and go far in CIF.”
Leave a Reply