Westminster Takes Control by Defeating Saddleback

Westminster secured the early advantage in the Golden West League girls’ basketball race by defeating Saddleback, 84-37, Thursday at Westminster.

The teams came into the game undefeated in league play and featured starting lineups devoid of seniors. But Westminster’s early run and a devastating press forced 33 Saddleback turnovers and the Lions (13-4, 3-0) were never seriously threatened.

Ashley Hebert scored a game-high 22 points, adding six assists, seven steals and seven rebounds. Biava Araganda contributed 19 points, including 14 in the first half when the Lions jumped out to a 45-19 halftime lead.

Freshman guard Eva Camarena, the subject of a game-long double-team, had 15 points and four steals. Reserve April Robles scored six points and had five assists.

Saddleback fell behind early and never recovered, trailing, 19-4, with two minutes left in the first half. With only three reserves, the Roadrunners (12-4, 1-1) trailed by 28 at halftime and never got closer than 60-31 in the second half.

“I thought we would handle their press a little better than we did,” Saddleback Coach Rob Morgan said. “Their press was the key. We had 20 turnovers in the first half. I thought we might play better than we did.”

Saddleback started five juniors, while Westminster’s starting lineup consisted of two juniors, two sophomores and a freshman.

“We’re a young team but we’re getting better day to day, week to week,” Westminster Coach Dick Katz said. “The kids knew we had to play better against Saddleback and they really stepped it up. I was really pleased with our defense, especially in the first half.”