Blumfield Hits 32 for El Camino Real

When Cara Blumfield has her shooting touch, it usually spells trouble for El Camino Real High’s opponents.

The 5-foot-5 junior guard was in prime form Tuesday night against Sherman Oaks CES, scoring 32 points, and the Conquistadores coasted to a 63-40 victory in the semifinals of the Van Nuys tournament.

Blumfield scored 20 points in the first half, when El Camino Real (5-0) opened an 38-14 lead.

After averaging 20.1 points as a sophomore, Blumfield said she is trying to assume more of a leadership role this season.

“If I’m having an off game, I still want to keep everyone pumped up,” she said.

She has yet to have a subpar game this season.

“She’s somebody we’ve come to rely on,” Coach Lori Chandler said. “I’ve never seen her have a down day.”

Erica Ephriam scored 14 points for Sherman Oaks CES (4-2).

Birmingham 62, Granada Hills 60--The Braves (4-1) built a 20-point advantage midway through the third quarter and held off the Highlanders in the semifinals.

Birmingham will play El Camino Real tonight in a replay of the final last year won by the Conquistadores.

The Highlanders (3-1) pulled close on two free throws by Kelly Patterson with one second left could not steal the inbounds pass.

Yvonne Velasquez had 20 points for the Braves, Juana Gatson added 12 and center Ofa Malangi had 10 points and 12 rebounds.

Sophomore Jessica Cosby had 20 points and 24 rebounds and Lindy Gayton added 15 points and 11 rebounds for Granada Hills.

Sylmar 47, Reseda 42--Veronica Ramos scored 10 of her 23 points in the third quarter to spark a rally by the Spartans.

Giselle Jiminez had nine points and 11 rebounds for Sylmar (2-3).

Ig Herrera had 14 points for Reseda (2-6).

Fremont 72, Van Nuys 27--The Pathfinders (2-1) opened an 18-2 lead after one quarter and the Wolves (1-4) trailed by as many as 49 points.

Nancy Camacho scored 21 points for Fremont.