Brea Olinda Rolls Past Magnolia by 40

The foregone conclusion that Brea Olinda will win its Southern Section-record 14th consecutive league title came a little closer to reality Tuesday night.

The fourth-ranked Ladycats beat the only other unbeaten Orange League team, Magnolia, 73-33, at Magnolia to complete the first round of league play.

But don’t let the score fool you too much--it was a 12-point game, 38-26, with less than a minute left in the third quarter.

The victory was Brea’s 86th consecutive league victory, tying Inglewood Morningside (1982-90) for second all-time in the Southern Section. Riverside Poly (1982-90) holds the record at 97.

Brea Coach Jeff Sink liked the rare league challenge. The Ladycats (16-3, 5-0 in league) had averaged a 70-point margin of victory against Orange teams.

“It’s tough [to play these games], but [Doug] Romeo’s a good coach and I respect him,” Sink said. “No matter what kind of talent he has, he brings his kids ready to play--and I don’t mean that in a derogatory manner to the rest of the Orange League.

“We didn’t look good, but we had to play hard and I got a chance to play most of my starters most of the game.”

Romeo and Magnolia (12-7, 4-1) were undermanned. Andrea Picchi scored a game-high 26 points and was 20 of 29 from the line. Brea committed 24 fouls in the game (one offensive), 21 against Picchi, who was the only Sentinel to shoot a free throw.

“We tried hard to make her work hard,” Sink said. “I thought we did a good job on her, but the kids were trying to shut her down every time and they reached.”

Ten of the 11 Brea players fouled Picchi, who was three for 14 from the field.

Defense won it for Brea. The Ladycats got 27 steals and forced 10 other turnovers. Stephanie Wettlin (12 points, nine rebounds, four blocks) had seven steals.

Brea’s Marissa Bradley had 17 points, nine rebounds and five steals, and Jennifer Saari scored 21 with five steals.