Alemany Rallies for 66-61 Win

Alemany High found out Tuesday night at home that five steady guns can beat one big missile launcher as the Indians held off Fresno Edison, 66-61, in a first-round girls’ Southern California Division II basketball game.

Senior guard Datri Elliott burned the Indians for 40 points, but four Alemany starters, led by Rachel Corelli (20 points), finished in double figures to push the Indians (27-4) into Thursday’s second round.

“We pulled it out, but I don’t know how,” Corelli said.

Alemany, the Southern Section Division II-A champion, found itself down by 10 in the first quarter, 22-12, as Elliott burned the Indians for 16 points. But eventually, Alemany wore down the one-dimensional Tigers (15-6).

Led by the playmaking of Corelli, who finished with seven assists, the Indians broke out their fast break in the second quarter and took a 32-31 advantage into the locker room.

But Elliott kept Edison close with her twisting, off-balance jump shots and three-point bombs. She hit six of 13 three-point shots.

“When I shot my first three-pointer, I knew I was hot,” said Elliott, who had never scored more than 23 points. “I feel good. I feel we played the best game we could play.”

After Elliott tied the score, 48-48, on a free throw with 5 minutes 13 seconds left, freshman Samantha Rigley hit a three-point shot to start a 13-4 Alemany run.

When Rigley ended that surge with a minute and a half left on a pair of free throws, the Indians led, 61-52.

Senior center Sarah Guziel anchored the Alemany defense with seven rebounds and six blocked shots.

* THOUSAND OAKS WINS: C11