Burroughs girls’ basketball hits the accelerator against Burbank
BURBANK — Sometimes in basketball, it all comes together on the court.
And when it comes against a crosstown rival, as it did for the Burroughs High girls’ team against Burbank, it is all the sweeter.
Firing on all pistons, the Indians stayed in the driver’s seat from start to finish en route to a resounding 71-34 win over the visiting Bulldogs Friday in Pacific League play.
“This is the most complete game we’ve played,” Burroughs coach Vicky Oganyan said.
Leading the way for Burroughs, which is ranked at No. 5 in the CIF Southern Section Division II-AA, was Faith Boulanger with a game-high 20 points to go along with six steals. Equally potent was senior Nicole Rumfola, who had 19 points and seven rebounds.
“I was pretty excited and nervous,” said Boulanger, a sophomore. “But at the same time we’ve been competing [all season]. I’ve been with this team and I trust them. When we really put our minds to it we can do what we want.”
The final Indian in double figures was Dyani Del Castillo with 14 points to go along with six rebounds. In total, the hosts had 10 players score at least one point. Sophomore Kayla Wrobel pulled down a game-high 11 rebounds to go along with her three points.
The three-pointer was working throughout for Burroughs, which had nine in total. Castillo and Boulanger put in four apiece.
“We probably had the most threes we’ve made all season in a single game,” Oganyan said. “Even if we didn’t make the shot, it is like every play offensively was the correct play.”
With the win, Burroughs (15-6, 5-3 in league) now draws even with Burbank (13-8, 5-3) in the league standings after the Bulldogs had entered the evening as part of a three-way tie for second place.
Burbank was led in scoring by Osana Tirityan with 14 points, which included six of her team’s eight points in the fourth quarter. Jayla Flowers found some room inside on the way to nine points, while Jasmine Chavez had five.
The Indians defense got it going from the outset, forcing the Bulldogs, ranked No. 7 in in Division III-A, to go quicker than they seemed comfortable with.
“We’re really good at pressuring the ball, so we talked about pressuring the ball trying to make the game fast, ” Oganyan said. “I think it played in our favor in terms of the pace of the game.”
Rumfola was particularly impressive in the opening stanza, single-handily outscoring Burbank, 11-10. The senior scored the last eight points of the quarter for the Indians, who led, 20-10, after one.
The second quarter saw Burbank score the first five points, but the Indians scored the next nine to halt any momentum. The Bulldogs were more composed in the second, but still trailed, 33-20, at halftime.
“We have higher energy [than Burbank] and we are more conditioned than them, so we have more power to just go forward and push,” Boulanger said. “That helps a lot.”
After the break, the Bulldogs’ effort did not wane, but the visitors seemed to run out of gas while the hosts pushed even harder on the accelerator. Burroughs scored the first eight points of the third quarter, which they won, 13-6.
The fourth quarter had Burbank running on fumes while the Indians seemed to only get stronger, to the tune of a 25-8 advantage in the frame. With just under three minutes left and sporting a 31-point lead, the Burroughs reserves took the floor. The advantage continued to build from there, peaking at the final margin of 37 following a foul shot by Jordyn Jackson with 13 seconds to go.
Burbank will try to get back on track Tuesday, but it will have to do so against league-leader Arcadia. Up next for Burroughs will be a nonleague game hosting Heritage Christian Saturday before returning to Pacific play hosting Muir on Tuesday.
“Every game in league for us is important,” Oganyan said. “Especially in our league, because our league is so tough and any day anyone can beat you in our league.”