Girls Basketball: Eagles Soar in Conference Struggle with Northgate

Clayton Valley 75, Northgate 60

The Star: On a night where a number of Eagles made significant contributions, sophomore  guard Ashley Allen’s star shone brightest as she drove penetrated the key relentlessly, either scoring or creating easy opportunities for her teammates, as she notched 28 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 blocks.

The Turning Point: After making a valiant run in the fourth quarter, four minutes to go it appeared the Broncos might have turned the game’s momentum.  On Clayton Valley’s next possession, Northgate gambled with a full-court press, which the Eagles summarily sliced through with two passes and an easy layup, moving them ahead by 11.  They would maintain a double-digit lead the rest of the way.  

The Quote: “When we play our game we’re a really good team,” said Clayton Valley coach Bernard Barnes of his team’s effort.

What’s Next: Red-hot Clayton Valley hosts Berean Christian in a battle of Eagles this Friday.

Bottom Line: A cold-shooting third quarter, coupled with Clayton Valley’s second-half dominance of the interior, proved to be Northgate’s foil.

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Much like two prizefighters in the first round of a title bout, and spent the early minutes of their clash feeling each other out with proverbial jabs.

Still, this match proved to be well worth the price of admission, as it didn't take long for the haymakers to start flying.  Unfortunately for the Broncos, the Eagles were more than happy to engage in a slugfest, as they prevailed 75-60 in the comfort of their own gym Tuesday night.

After easing out to a slow offensive start, midway through the first quarter Northgate rained a trio of threes over the course of two minutes and jumped the Eagles with a full court press.  In what seemed like no time at all, the visitors sprang out to a 13-4 lead. 

Senior captain Tess Soper led the early charge, as she used her quickness to gash the lane and kick the ball to a host of different teammates, on her way to 16 points and 9 assists.

Even as they fell behind, Clayton Valley almost appeared reinvigorated by the pressure.  After getting over the initial shock, they responded by quickly passing the ball up court on every trip and attacking the basket off the dribble.

By halftime, the Eagles had emerged from the melee with a 33-31 advantage.  More importantly, it appeared they had done so after successfully absorbing the Broncos’ best blows, and without exploiting their size advantage.

The Eagles cleared that last hurdle in the second half.

Lengthy guard Ashley Allen drove into the paint relentlessly, either scoring or creating easy opportunities for her teammates, as she notched 28 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists.  Six-foot forward Molly Kommer was one of the prime beneficiaries of the inside ball movement, posting 15 points and 6 rebounds.

“Ashley’s only getting better,” said Clayton Valley coach Bernard Barnes.  “She’s at the point where she can attack the basket at will.”

On the other end, it was a story of iron unkind, as the hosts ran the Broncos off the three-point line, and the visitors could not seem to convert their open looks.  Allen had a lot to do with that as well, adding three blocks to her outstanding stat line.

“Their big thing is the three-point shot,” Barnes said.  “We told them if we took away the three, they would have no answer for us inside.”

Worse than their scoring woes was the fact that when Northgate missed they rarely got the ball back.  That’s because the Eagles’ 6-foot-4 center Sarah Nelson managed only three first-half rebounds, but came out like a woman possessed after the intermission, ending the game with 12.

“I tell [Nelson] ‘you’re 6’4'', we need you in there,’” said Clayton Valley coach Bernard Barnes.  “Whenever I challenge her, she performs.”

Up 12 entering the fourth quarter, the Eagles never looked back.

Despite the big win, Barnes knows this drama is far from over. 

“We still have to go to Senior Night at their place,” he explained.  “We have to get that second [win against Northgate] to win our league.” 

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75, Northgate 60

1

2

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F

Northgate

17

14

11

18

60

Clayton Valley

13

20

21

21

75

Individuals — (fg ftm-fta tp)

Northgate

Kleber 3  3-4  9, Sussman 1  0-0  3, Galanter 5  1-1  12, Blough 1 0-0  3, Soper 5  5-8  16, Holder  1  0-0  3, Hearn 7  0-0  14. Totals 18  9-13  60.

Clayton Valley

Kommer 7 1-2  15, Menez 4  6-9  15, Van Horn 1  0-0  2, Del Bene 3 3-4  9, Allen 11  6-8  28, Nelson 3  0-2  6. Totals 28  16-25  75.

3-point goals: Northgate 5 (Sussman, Galanter, Blough, Chase, Holder).  Clayton Valley 1 (Menez).

Fouled out: None.

Records: Northgate 10-8, 4-0 DVAL; Clayton Valley 17-2, 5-0 DVAL

Highlights: NG — Tess Soper 16 points, 9 assists, 2 rebounds; Greer Kleber 9 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals; Jamie Hearn 14 points, 5 rebounds. CV — Ashley Allen 28 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 blocks, 1 steal; Karley Menez  15 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block, 1 steal; Sarah Nelson 6 points, 12 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block.

Diablo Valley Athletic League, boys basketball, 1/18/11

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