Top-Seeded Thousand Oaks Girls Cruise to 69-28 Win Over Marina

She’s back.

That is the message that Marion Jones delivered Tuesday night as she propelled the Thousand Oaks High girls’ basketball team to a 69-28 victory over Huntington Beach Marina on Tuesday night in a Southern Section Division I-A semifinal.

Jones, in just her second game back after sustaining a broken wrist, scored 15 points, pulled down 16 rebounds, blocked six shots and made four steals as the defending champion and top-seeded Lancers (27-1) powered their way into the division final.

Jones had plenty of help. Guard Michelle Palmisano outscored the entire Marina team, coming up with 19 of her game-high 30 points in the second half. And guard Samantha Clarke, usually known more for her defensive prowess, had six assists.

Thousand Oaks struggled at times on offense, particularly in the first half, but it was the Lancers’ trademark defense that guided them to another easy win.

The Lancers forced Marina (24-5) into 21 turnovers, converting many of them into fast-break baskets at the other end and held the Vikings to 10-of-50 shooting from the floor (20%). The score was 33-17 at halftime, but Thousand Oaks used a 20-0 run--keyed by the defense--to start the third quarter and settle the issue.

“We emphasize defense,” Thousand Oaks Coach Chuck Brown said. “The girls really take pride in their defense.”

Marina Coach Pete Bonny also credited the Lancers’ defense with being the key factor in the rout.

“They took us out of our offense,” Bonny said. “They wouldn’t let our key players shoot.”

Center Jessica Trippet led Marina with eight points, seven below her season average, and Aimee Periolat was limited to four, eight below her average.