Oxnard to Try to Shut Down Potent Ayala

There will be a definite contrast in girls’ basketball styles tonight when Oxnard High plays Chino Hills Ayala for the championship of the Bell-Jeff Summer Hoops Finale.

Oxnard plays in-your-face defense. Ayala might be the most offense-minded team in the Southland.

“Give me 12 girls who aren’t afraid to shoot and I’m happy,” said Coach Mel Sims of Ayala, whose team set a Southern Section record last season with 245 three-point baskets.

Oxnard advanced to the final by outlasting Burroughs, 43-40, in a semifinal on Friday.

Ayala defeated Simi Valley, 46-33.

“I’m hoping the team that thinks defense, defense, defense shows up [today],” said Coach Ryle Lynch-Cole of Oxnard.

The Yellowjackets limited high-scoring freshman Shaina Zaidi of Burroughs to 13 points. Memory Rhone had 13 points and Michelle Morgan added 12 for Oxnard.

Ayala 46, Simi Valley 33--Elise Metcalf of Simi Valley made two free throws to tie the game, 27-27, late in the third quarter, but defending champion Ayala closed with a 19-6 run.

Ligaya Dozier scored 13 points and Kia Riley added 12 points for Ayala.

Teresa Cooper scored 11 points for Simi Valley.

Valencia 55, Fontana 10--Megan Honaker scored 12 points and Stephanie Patterson had 11 for the Vikings, who blanked the Steelers, 28-0, in the second half.

Agoura 41, Eagle Rock 24--Junior forward Jennifer Lacy scored 13 points to help the Chargers win in a consolation game.

Canyon 44, Moorpark 38--Courtney Koenig scored 17 points and Julianna Diaz added 13 for the Cowboys in a consolation victory.

Kristin Nadas scored 15 points and Kelly Geis had 13 for Moorpark.

Immaculate Heart 31, Chaminade 24--Cynthia Lai scored 10 points for the Eagles in a consolation loss.

Crescenta Valley 2, Inglewood Morningside 0--The Falcons won a consolation game when Morningside arrived 25 minutes late.