Pinewood Run Tops Pacific Hills

Los Altos Hills Pinewood used 17 unanswered points in the third quarter to put the state Division V girls’ basketball championship game out of reach Friday at Arco Arena and secure its second state title with a 61-39 victory over Pacific Hills.

Helen Suarez scored 12 points to lead Pacific Hills, but she was limited to 23 minutes because of foul trouble, and J.J. Magbanua and Chelsea Ray scored 10 each. The Bruins (28-5) made just nine of 42 shots (21.4%) and committed 25 turnovers.

Going into the game, Pacific Hills had allowed more than 43 points only three times this season, but gave up a season-high against Pinewood (26-5).

Suarez, who came into the game averaging a team-high 15.8 points, picked up two fouls in the first three minutes and was called for her fourth early in the third quarter. Ashleyrose Lewis, the Bruins’ center and second-leading scorer, was called for her fourth foul 13 seconds later.

On the same possession, Daniela Roark scored on a drive to give the Panthers a 31-19 lead. Pacific Hills went another 2 1/2 minutes without scoring and, by then, Pinewood had stretched its lead to 21.

“That was the difference,” said Pacific Hills Coach Ben Ramos, who is stepping down after two seasons to spend more time with his family.

Liz Altmaier scored 16 points and Hannah Lippe and Roark had 12 each for Pinewood, which won its other state title in 1999. The Panthers did not allow more than 40 points in four state playoff games.

-- Dan Arritt