Sunset League : Handley Paces Fountain Valley

It might happen someday that Melissa Handley becomes a regular starter for Fountain Valley High School. For now, she makes the most of her time whether starting or playing a reserve role.

Handley scored 31 points against Ocean View (0-1, 11-5) as the Barons won the Sunset League opener for both, 63-54, at Fountain Valley.

Fountain Valley (1-0, 14-3) started the season favored to win its third straight league title. The Barons returned league Most Valuable Player Kerri Clower, All-Sunset League forward Jackie Cook and three-year starter Susan Walin.

And then there is Handley, who some believe may be the best of the bunch. She’s quick, seemingly never tires, has a good outside shot and plays the game frantically.

So what does a person have to do to start?

“The fact that Melissa doesn’t start has nothing to do with her talent,” said Carol Strausburg, Fountain Valley coach. “Anyone who saw her tonight knows that’s not the case. But she’s got such a fiery personality that she’s great as a sixth man to put in when the team gets down. She has the kind of attitude that really brings a team up quick.”

It was Handley who stopped many Ocean View rallies with a jump shot or key steal. Three times the Seahawks came as close as five points, three times Handley converted baskets.

Said Kelly Painter, Ocean View coach: “She was amazing tonight. But she’s always great. If Carol doesn’t start her from now on I’m going to have to have a talk with her.”

Handley took care of the offense, but it was Strausburg’s zone that limited Ocean View’s high-scoring Trina Vlachos. Vlachos, who averaged 22 points a game, was constantly covered by two players. Strausberg told her players not to leave Vlachos, even when Ocean View point guard Dana Douty penetrated the zone.

“That’s how they can hurt you,” she said. “Dana breaks in and sucks the defense to her. That leaves Trina open for the little dump pass. I told them to let the guards handle Dana, and for them to stay on Trina.”

Vlachos scored 12 points, but eight came late in the game.

In other league games:

Huntington Beach 45, Marina 44--Tammy Keller sank two free throws with 15 seconds left to give the Oilers the lead, and Marcia Krcelic subsequently stole the ball to preserve the win at Huntington Beach.

Edison 70, Westminster 41--Forward Kris Herman had 15 points and Denise Ogburn added 12 to lead the Chargers (1-0, 13-2). Edison forward had Kristen Wilson had 10 points and 10 rebounds. Westminster’s Devon Akita led all scorers with 23 points.