Girls’ basketball: Bell-Jeff could be halfway to first title

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

SACRAMENTO--It was a rousing first half all the way around for Bell-Jeff.

Freshman guard Jasmine Smith sang a stirring rendition of the national anthem and then the Guards hummed along en route to a 31-20 halftime lead over Pinewood in the Division V championship at Arco Arena.

The Guards closed the half on a 9-0 run, with junior guard Margeaux Gupilan making back-to-back three-pointers. Gupilan, senior guard Shelley Gupilan and freshman guard Rishonda Napier had eight points apiece and Smith had six for Bell-Jeff.

Senior forward Lindsay Nickel had nine points for Pinewood, which struggled against the Guards’ pressing, trapping style. The Panthers made 21.4% of their shots and only two of 16 attempts from behind the three-point line. The Guards shot 48%.

Bell-Jeff is seeking its first state title--in any sport--in school history.

--Ben Bolch