Kobayashi’s 3-Dimensional Attack Powers Alemany, 53-43

Kelli Kobayashi sank four three-point shots in the third quarter, and Alemany High rallied from a three-point deficit at halftime to defeat Yosemite, 53-43, Tuesday night and advance to the second round of the Southern California Regional Division III girls’ playoffs.

The Indians (24-5) will play Bishop Montgomery (26-3) on Thursday. Bishop Montgomery defeated San Diego University, 90-64.

Alemany trailed, 20-17, after two quarters, but outscored Yosemite, 23-9, in the third quarter behind Kobayashi’s four-of-four shooting from behind the three-point stripe.

Kobayashi finished with 14 points and eight rebounds.

“Kelli hitting those threes was really the key,” Alemany Coach Melissa Hearlihy said.

“We always talk about the third quarter being the key and I think we broke their back in the third quarter.”

Dana Rios added 10 points and seven assists, Francine Bennette had 10 points and six rebounds and Devan Zumwalt chipped in with 10 points and four rebounds for the Indians, runners-up in the Southern Section Division III-AA playoffs.

“We got off to a slow start, and they dominated the boards in the first half,” Hearlihy said. “But I think we woke up in the third quarter and we dominated the boards in the second half. That was the difference.”

Yosemite (19-10) was the Central Section champion.