Simi Valley’s Bender Doesn’t Break, 49-48

The emotions were visible on the faces of the players and coaches.

When it was over, the Simi Valley High girls’ basketball team had survived a worthy challenge.

Mikali Bender calmly made two free throws with five seconds left and the Pioneers held on for a 49-48 victory over Camarillo on Friday night in the semifinals of the Simi Valley tournament at Simi Valley High.

The victory sends Simi Valley (8-1) into the championship game tonight against Hart.

At times, it seemed as if there was much more at stake.

“The intensity was very high,” said Coach Dave Murphy of Simi Valley. “We played each other seven or eight times during the summer and every game was like that.”

Simi Valley, ranked No. 5 in the region by The Times, overcame a comeback by fourth-ranked Camarillo (8-2), which trailed, 40-31, with 5:38 to play.

The Scorpions fought back behind guard Gillian Lillich, who scored 11 of her 19 points in the final 5:38.

Camarillo went ahead for the first time, 47-46, on two free throws by Lillich with 1:25 remaining.

“I thought we had our chances,” said Coach John Harbour of Camarillo. “We made a great comeback when we were down nine. We just couldn’t get a key rebound when we had to.”

The Pioneers received a brilliant effort by Teresa Cooper, who scored 12 of her game-high 24 points in the fourth quarter. Cooper, who made nine of 16 shots, also had five rebounds.

The victory might have provided momentum for the Pioneers, who have only two seniors.

“It boosts our confidence a lot,” Cooper said. “We’ve already improved so much. I’m really excited about the rest of the season.”

Bender finished with 10 points.

Rachel Young had 12 points for Camarillo.