Girls’ basketball: Santa Monica coach talks about playing Summit today

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Santa Monica Coach Marty Verdugo said playing against Summit High in the Vikings’ second game of the season is quite an intimidating task.

‘You just hope you can get the first run of the cycle,’ Verdugo said.

Santa Monica’s strategy is to control the tempo of the game. Summit likes to run. The Vikings prefer half-court play.

The Vikings will compete without their two talented junior transfers from Arizona, Moriah Faulk and Bianka Balthazar, who have not yet received clearance to play. Verdugo said they should be on the court in a week or two.

The team will be led by Thea Lemberger, who scored 21 quick points against Riverside Poly in the Viking’s first tournament game. Look for UC San Diego-bound Lilly Feder and junior point guard Kristina Johnson to make the difference today.

‘We don’t have our full squad,’ Verdugo said. ‘But that gives the other girls a chance to step up.’

-- Melissa Rohlin