Esperanza Rallies to Defeat Poly

Bethany Blair scored 13 of her 19 points in the second half to lift second-seeded Esperanza to a 55-43 come-from-behind victory over third-seeded Long Beach Poly on Saturday. The Aztecs’ Southern Section Division I-AAA semifinal victory at Long Beach Wilson High moves them into the final against top-seeded Lynwood, a 64-41 winner over Oxnard, next weekend at the Pyramid in Long Beach.

Esperanza, which made 16 of 18 free throws, trailed by three at halftime, but outscored the Jackrabbits, 20-8, in the fourth quarter.

Ashley Van Kurin had 11 points and Lindsay Helvey nine for Esperanza (26-4). Poly finished 24-6.

In Division III-AA:

North Hollywood Harvard-Westlake 64, Rosary 59--The Royals (23-8) couldn’t hold a five-point lead at the end of the third quarter at L.A. Baptist High. Jenise Karcher led Rosary with 17 points. Despite the loss, Rosary will be one of four section teams advancing to the Southern California Regional in Division III.

In Division IV-A:

Calvary Chapel 59, Santa Maria St. Joseph 47--Second-seeded Calvary Chapel (21-8) outscored No. 3 St. Joseph in the second quarter, 17-6, to take a 10-point lead. Erin John and Shayna Fabre scored 12 points each for the Eagles, who will play Playa del Rey St. Bernard, a 62-37 winner over Santa Monica St. Monica, in the final.

In Division II-AA quarterfinals:

Brea Olinda 68, Palm Desert La Quinta 46--Lauren Pederson and Tara Hefferly scored 15 points each as host Brea Olinda (24-4) advanced to play Santa Margarita in the semifinals Tuesday.

Jennifer Katsuyama had nine assists for the Ladycats and held La Quinta’s top scorer, Ciaran Ramirez, without a point in the second half. Jackie Lord left the game with a knee injury.

Santa Margarita 56, Bellflower 44--Kim Bloomgren made three three-pointers and scored 15 points, and Lena Shaw had 12 points and nine rebounds for visiting Santa Margarita (22-7) against fourth-seeded Bellflower.

In Division V-AA:

Brethren Christian 43, St. Margaret’s 40--Liz Mack made a three-pointer with nine seconds remaining and Sarah Amberry stole an inbounds pass with three seconds left to clinch the victory for top-seeded Brethren Christian (20-9).

Monique Kettler had 27 points, 10 rebounds and seven blocks for St. Margaret’s (11-8).