GIRLS’ BASKETBALL ROUNDUP : Rathbun’s Second-Half Surge Paces Woodbridge

Leslie Rathbun’s second-half performance led Woodbridge High School to a 50-44 Pacific Coast League girls’ basketball victory over Orange.

Rathbun scored 11 of her 23 points in the third quarter to help Woodbridge rally from a 22-15 halftime deficit to a 36-30 lead going into the final eight minutes of play at Orange High School. Rathbun, a senior guard who was the Pacific Coast League most valuable player last season, made seven of 15 field goals, including one three-pointer, and eight of nine free throws. She also had seven assists and 11 of Woodbridge’s 23 steals.

“Leslie said she wasn’t getting her shots (one of five) in the first half and I told her the shots were there, but she wasn’t looking for the right one,” Woodbridge Coach Eric Bangs said. “Her control in the second half made the difference.”

Orange Coach Ed Prange called Rathbun “one of the best (female) players in the county.”

Woodbridge (18-4 overall, 7-0 in league), the county’s 10th-ranked team, remains undefeated and Orange (13-6, 5-2) holds onto second place.

For Orange, Nicole Champion, made eight of 15 field goals and four of six free throws for 20 points and had 11 rebounds.

“Our defense battled all the way and our girls never gave up,” Prange said. “Woodbridge is just a good team. They made their free throws (including eight of 11 in the fourth quarter that ensured the victory) and they maintained their poise.”