Panthers Run Away With Easy Victory

It was just the way Newbury Park High likes to play. Fast and furious.

The Panthers dictated the tempo from the start of their Marmonte League girls’ basketball game Monday night, and Royal finally cracked under the pressure.

Newbury Park went on a 28-2 run midway through the third quarter and ran away for a 79-53 victory.

“I think defensively the kids picked up the intensity, and we were just very focused,” Newbury Park Coach Nori Parvin said.

The Panthers (13-4, 3-0 in league play) forced 23 turnovers and stamped themselves as favorites for the league title.

“We felt that was the case for some time,” Royal Coach Mike Kohl said. “This just proves it.”

Kohl said Royal (10-6, 0-2) was comfortable playing a fast-paced game. The Highlanders even managed a 45-41 lead in the third quarter.

But turnovers left Kohl feeling uneasy.

Newbury Park, ranked No. 5 in the region by The Times, also made it difficult for the No. 10-ranked Highlanders by making nine of 15 three-point shots.

Forward Bridget Harris finished with 19 points, including four three-point baskets, and reserve guard Oli Keohohou scored 16 points, including four three-pointers.

The Panthers received strong inside play from Cassandra Harris, who had 18 points and nine rebounds.

Kristen Galbreath, who averages nearly 20 points for Royal, finished with 16.

After suffering back-to-back league losses at home, Kohl realizes the Highlanders are in a difficult position.

“It’s a tough way to start, but it’s a long season and our team will bounce back,” Kohl said.

That is not the case for Newbury Park, although Parvin prefers to remain cautious.

“I said that from top to bottom anybody can win in this league, and I still believe that,” she said.