Lynwood’s Physical Play Stops El Toro

Commenting on officiating after a game is something coaches try to avoid, and Vincent Avitabile didn’t have to Tuesday night.

The body language of the El Toro coach said it all.

Though not many calls went their way, the Chargers made it a close game before dropping a 58-55 decision in a Southern Section girls’ basketball Division I-AA semifinal at Laguna Hills High.

Lynwood (27-4) made it known early that it was going to hack, hold and push El Toro standout Giuliana Mendiola as long as the referees would let them. It turned out to be the entire game.

Mendiola, who ended her career third on the all-time state scoring list with 3,069 points, finished with a game-high 30 points despite taking a constant beating. She hit her first field goal with 41 seconds left in the first half.

“It went a little too far out there, but that’s the way the game goes sometimes,” Mendiola said. “I don’t know what to say right now.”

The Chargers (24-7) trailed from the 6:46 mark in the second quarter, and despite the obstacles, had a chance to tie the game with 29 seconds left. Mendiola swung out to the top of the key, but a bad pass turned the ball over.

After a series of fouls and free throws, the Chargers had the ball, trailing, 56-53, with 4.8 seconds left. Mendiola was fouled on the inbound pass and made both free throws after trying to miss the second intentionally.

The game was a rematch of last year’s semifinal, which the Chargers won, 51-47.

“I just feel sorry for the kids, to work so hard and lose like this,” Avitabile said. “We’re not a physical team so we can’t compete when there’s holding and pushing going on.”

Amy Shaw had nine points and Sara Brown added eight for the Chargers.

Four Knights scored in double figures.