Strong Quarter Helps El Dorado Oust Foothill

Jamie Nebeker hit three of her six three-point baskets in the decisive third quarter as El Dorado defeated host Foothill, 70-50, in the first round of the Southern Section Division II-AA girls’ basketball playoffs Saturday.

El Dorado, ahead by three at halftime, outscored the Knights, 23-10, in the third quarter.

Stephanie Patten scored on a layup and Nebeker hit a three-pointer to give the Golden Hawks a 5-0 lead and El Dorado never trailed. They led at halftime, 34-31.

“Stephanie inside and Jamie outside have been an effective combination,” El Dorado Coach Wayne Carlson said.

The Patten-Nebeker duo had 31 of the Golden Hawks’ 34 first-half points.

El Dorado (19-9) presented a balanced attack to open the third quarter with Alexis Graves, Nebeker (a three-pointer), Patten and Jennie Bluth scoring to give the Golden Hawks a 43-35 lead. They increased their lead to 57-41 by the end of the quarter.

Nebeker finished with 27 points and Patten had 25 before fouling out in the fourth quarter as El Dorado ended the Knights’ 14-game winning streak.

Century League champion Foothill (18-6) was led by Robyn Templeton’s 15 points and Rebecca Cole’s 12.

El Dorado, runner-up in the Empire League, hosts Laguna Hills in the second round Wednesday.