Girls’ Basketball : Esperanza Puts On Press for Comeback Victory Over Los Alamitos, 54-47

Led by 15 points and 8 rebounds from sophomore center Karen Davidson, the Esperanza High School girls’ basketball team defeated Los Alamitos, 54-47, in an Empire League game Thursday night at Esperanza.

It was a come-from-behind victory for the Aztecs (2-0 in league, 7-1 overall), who trailed 38-32 early in the fourth quarter. Using a fullcourt press, the Aztecs outscored the Griffins, 22-9, the rest of the way to pull out the victory.

Davidson dominated play inside, scoring most of her points on layups or rebounded shots to help stake the Aztecs to a 25-20 halftime lead. Los Alamitos rallied in the third quarter behind patient shot selection to briefly overtake the Aztecs, but was later plagued by turnovers in the face of the fullcourt press.

Sharon Warmus also scored 14 points for the Aztecs and Laura Jones added 11.

Kelly Moore led Los Alamitos (1-1 and 4-1) with 15 points and Jennifer Ensley and Diane Sands scored 12 apiece.

In other Empire League action:

El Dorado 53, Katella 52--Jill Matyuch scored 22 points and had 9 rebounds and Cathy Newvine added 21 points and 12 rebounds as the Golden Hawks held on to remain unbeaten in league play. Becky Wayland (13), Kelly Johnson (12) and Julie Standering (11) led Katella in scoring. El Dorado is 2-0 in league and 7-1 overall. Katella is 1-1 in league and 6-1 overall.

In the Bolsa Grande Tournament:

La Mirada 78, Rancho Alamitos 8--Tricia Gibson and Caroline Veerman combined to score 49 points as the Matadors overwhelmed the Vaqueros in a first-round game. La Mirada (6-2) jumped out to a 16-2 lead at the end of the first quarter and led by 28 points at the half, 32-4. Gibson led all scorers with 25 points and Veerman contributed 24. Julie Guiterrez and Eagan scored four points each to account for the Vaqueros’ scoring.

In the Canyon Tournament:

Canyon 41, Los Amigos 31--Angie Nelson scored 19 points and Lila Naffa added 10 as the Comanches (4-1) advanced to tonight’s championship final against Valencia. Kelly Grand led the Lobos with 10 points.

Valencia 48, Westminster 47--Lisa Linder scored 19 points and Ronette McWeeney added 13 for the Tigers. My Le led the Lions with 10 points.

Santiago 30, Anaheim 18--The Cavaliers advanced to the consolation championship game with an easy win over the Colonists.

In the Granada Tournament:

Ocean View 75, Livermore 44--Senior Trina Vlachos had 29 points and 14 rebounds and Teri Zanelli hads 12 points, 6 rebounds and 5 steals to lead the Seahawks (5-2) to the first-round win.

In the Orange Lutheran Tournament:

Connelly 59, Rio Hondo Prep 39--Cathy Casey had 20 points and Amy Vernetti 16 to lead Connelly into the second round of the eight-team tournament

Orange Lutheran 54, Newport Christian 19--Junior forward Michelle Boltz had 22 points to pace Orange Lutheran (4-1). The Lancers play Connelly in the semifinals tonight at 8.