GIRLS’ BASKETBALL ROUNDUP : Kordick Is on Target in First Half as Esperanza Defeats Cypress, 65-37

Kim Kordick hit eight of nine shots in the first half to lead Esperanza High School over Cypress, 65-37, in Empire League girls’ basketball game Tuesday.

After a free throw by Andrea Warmus, Kordick made three shots in a row to give Esperanza a 7-0 lead. Esperanza held Cypress scoreless until Stacie Kosaka’s basket with 5 minutes 10 seconds to play in the first quarter.

Kordick, who got in foul trouble in the third quarter, hit 10 of 12 shots for 20 points.

“We tried to run a trap (to contain Kordick), but Esperanza burned us on that,” Cypress Coach Denise Selbe said. “Esperanza is big, strong and fast; we just couldn’t keep up.”

Esperanza hit 30 of 50 shots and held Cypress to 15 field goals on 45 attempts.

Jennifer Harney scored 20 points for Esperanza.

“I was afraid of Cypress’ pressure because its players are quicker than us, but the girls responded to defensive changes, played smart and more physical, and didn’t turn the ball over,” Esperanza Coach Mark Hill said.

Stacie Kosaka led Cypress with 15 points.

Esperanza is 2-0 in league, 11-3 overall. Cypress is 1-1 in league play, 8-8 overall.