Girls’ basketball: Roundup of SoCal teams in championship games at TOC

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Southern California is undeniably a hotbed for girls’ basketball. Five of the six championship games at the prestigious Nike Tournament of Champions in Chandler, Ariz., featured teams from the area. Here’s a roundup of those games.

Anderson Division: Huntington Beach Edison 58, Etiwanda 54

With less than two minutes remaining and Edison leading by only one point, Bonnie Samuelson was fouled on a three-foot jump shot and made the free throw to clinch the game for the Chargers. She finished with 31 points. Her sister, Karlie, had 17 points and was named the MVP of the division.

Blue Division: Villa Park 54, The Bishop’s (La Jolla) 50 (OT)

Caitlin Bunting sealed the game with two clutch free throws in overtime. Two Spartans had double-doubles: Connie Ballestero had 21 points and 10 rebounds and Mykayla Harris had 18 points and 12 rebounds.

White Division: Clackamas (Ore.) 48, Narbonne 41

Tailer Butler and Kim Pickett had 14 apiece for the Gauchos. ‘It was very slow, not our pace at all,’ said Narbonne Coach Victoria Sanders. ‘We allowed them to walk the ball up the floor and throw the ball into their post. That’s where they did their damage.’

Red Division: Huntington Beach 75, Sierra Canyon 54

After jumping to a 16-0 first quarter advantage, Huntington Beach maintained a steady lead throughout the game. Kelsey Minato had 32 points, including six three-pointers. ‘She was on fire and probably shot over 65% from the field,’ said Huntington Beach Coach Russ McClurg. Maya Kennedy added 16 points. The Oilers finished with 11 three-pointers, one shy of their season high.

(A separate post will be devoted to the Brea Olinda-Long Beach Poly game.)

--Melissa Rohlin