At the beginning of the year for the Diablo Foothill Athletic League girls' basketball season it was predicted that any of five outstanding teams could win the league. After the first two weeks of the regular season, it is proving to be just that.
The three Lamorinda teams came into the DFAL season with a combined record of 29-8 and, coupled with Dublin (11-2) and Dougherty Valley (11-1), the stage was set for each game between these teams to be a battle.
Campolindo blasted Las Lomas 91-32 in their opener before falling to Dublin 65-41 on the road.
Injuries have beset the Cougars who are currently playing without two of their starting guards, senior Rose Fruci and sophomore Mallory Brown, but their teammates have really stepped up. They pushed first place Miramonte to the edge in a three-overtime thriller on the road last week, losing 83-81. Junior Annie Ward hit seven three pointers, notching 37 points on the night. The Matadors were led by senior Stephanie Golden's 23 points and 12 rebounds and junior Liza Katz's (24 points and nine assists) overtime heroics that concluded with a layup with four seconds left to prevent a fourth overtime.
Miramonte moved to 3-0 with the victory over Campo, after whipping Alhambra by 51 points and handling Dougherty Valley by 49 to 42. They do not play again in the DFAL until January 22nd, when they travel to Dublin. Dublin was defeated last week by Dougherty Valley 40 to 36 but beat Las Lomas 70-17.
Last Friday night, the Lamorinda rivalries again heated up when Campolindo headed over to Acalanes. The Dons and Cougars battled throughout a tight first half, with Acalanes leading 20-18 at the intermission. Campo came out strong in the third period, outscoring Acalanes 20 to 6 on their way to a 53-37 win. Senior Meghan Ringer led a balanced attack with 14 points and five rebounds while junior Chloe Hull added 11. Senior Emani Harrison (20 points) and junior Kiara Harewood (13 points and six blocks) led the Dons who fell to 1-2 in the DFAL. Prior to the Campo game, Acalanes beat Las Lomas and lost on the road at Dublin.
Campo coach Clay Kallam captured the spirit of the league when he said, "The key to this league is win at home against everyone and try to steal one on the road against one of the top teams." He is optimistic that although, "the schedule had us start with three difficult road games -- Dublin, Miramonte and Acalanes, it means we get those teams in Moraga in the second half. Hopefully we'll be able to use the home crowd's energy to our advantage."
Miramonte's varsity women get the heart pounding win over Campolindo in their triple overtime game Tuesday night Photo Jordan Fong
Miramonte's Alyssa Johanson (#14) drives past Chloe Hull (#11) of
Campo, avoiding a charge Photo Jordan Fong
The three Lamorinda teams came into the DFAL season with a combined record of 29-8 and, coupled with Dublin (11-2) and Dougherty Valley (11-1), the stage was set for each game between these teams to be a battle.
Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA