Sailors Survive Rough Game to Turn Back Lompoc

Newport Harbor survived a physical battle to beat Lompoc, 49-43, in the opening round of the Southern California Division III girls’ basketball playoffs Tuesday.

“It seemed to be more of a football game than a basketball game,” Newport Harbor Coach Shannon Jakosky said after the Sailors stopped Lompoc’s 17-game winning streak.

The referees basically let the teams play and allowed a lot of contact under the boards.

Newport Harbor senior Gina Heads had three blocked shots and five steals to pace the Sailors’ strong defensive effort.

“Gina did an excellent job on their point guard (Danielle Petty, who was held the two three-pointers after the game was out of reach),” Jakosky said.

Newport Harbor (23-7) showed few ill-effects after its 70-40 loss to Brea-Olinda Saturday in the Southern Section Division III-AA final.

Lompoc (24-5) led, 11-10, after the first quarter, but the Sailors took the lead for good on baskets by Heads, Genevieve Evarts and Melissa Schutz to open the second quarter. By halftime, Newport Harbor led 26-20.

Lompoc reduced the lead to 32-30 late in the third quarter but two free throws by Heads with no time left in the quarter gave the Sailors a 34-30 edge.

Newport’s defense held Lompoc to one shot in the first five minutes of the final quarter as the Sailors built a 45-33 lead to put the game away.

Evarts had 16 points and Schutz 14 for Newport Harbor. Colleen Mitchell had 17 points and Kim Wuest had 14 for Lompoc.

The Sailors will play at Santana Santee, a 86-46 winner over Dinuba, in the semifinals Thursday.