Division II Girls’ Basketball Playoffs : Fallbrook’s Comeback Kids Do It Again : This Time, They Rally Past Second-Seeded Helix, 54-43, to Win

The Fallbrook High School girls took their time getting into Tuesday night’s Division II semifinal basketball game against second-seeded Helix.

The Warriors trailed through most of the game but rallied in time to upend the Highlanders, 54-43, at San Dieguito High School.

Fallbrook (17-8), the third-seeded team, will meet San Pasqual in the championship game Friday at the Sports Arena at 2:30.

“I’d much rather come from behind,” said Gerry Port, the Fallbrook coach. “We’ve done that all year.”

In this case, Fallbrook stayed true to form. The Warriors were down by 11-7 after one quarter, 26-20 at halftime and 38-24 after three quarters.

But in the latter stages of the third quarter, they began their comeback. Terri Pearson scored two baskets to cut the Helix lead to four points and begin a string of 16 straight Fallbrook points.

By the time Helix (18-6) scored again, Fallbrook led, 46-38. The Warriors continued to pour it on and Helix was unable to find the range. The Highlanders scored just five points in the fourth quarter to Fallbrook’s 20.

Lisa Rienstra scored 18 points and turned in a strong performance on the boards to lead the Warriors.

Port credited seniors Rienstra, Kristie Ernst and Sheri Duffy with the turnaround.

“They’ve been there all year,” he said. “They’ll be there one more time in the section final.”