As the third quarter of Hart girls basketball’s game against Golden Valley came to a close, the Indians’ Emily Munoz cruised down the court for an easy layup.
As the fourth quarter of the game opened up, Munoz casually went for another graceful layup.
Hart flaunted its depth – which included Munoz’s performance – in a 74-40 win over the Grizzlies at Golden Valley on Tuesday.
“We’re going to look pretty good because everybody contributes and we all very much support each other on and off the court and it translates when we’re playing,” Munoz said.
Golden Valley (10-5, 0-1) trailed by only four points at the end of the first half, but the Indians (10-8 overall, 1-0 in Foothill League) turned it on offensively in the second to pull ahead 34-20 by halftime.
It wasn’t easy, however. Golden Valley’s Shyann Franklin, who is also one of the Foothill League’s top athletes in shot put, provided defensive skill in the paint.
“She’s come a long way,” said GV coach Galbert Connor of Franklin, who also chipped in a team-high 19 points. “…She just found a love for basketball. She listens. She puts in the extra work.”
Trudy Larkins and Aly Kaneshiro primarily guarded Franklin as the Indians utilized a man-to-man defense in the second half.
Kaneshiro, who scored 11 points, was also one of seven Indians to find the basket. Annie Christofferson led the team with 23 points, while Munoz followed with 20.
“She’s hard to guard because she’s shifty,” said Hart coach Terra Palmer of Munoz. “So people have a hard time keeping her in front of them, so that’s why you see her getting layups all the time. Because all the sudden, where did she go?”
Golden Valley next plays Canyon on Friday at 5 p.m. Hart will take on Valencia on the same day at the same time in hopes of accomplishing this year’s goal:
“We’re looking forward to an undefeated league,” Munoz said.
Valencia 63, Saugus 27
The Vikings’ Nicole Weatherman scored a game-high 24 points, followed by Tiana Beale with 11. Chyanne Pagkalinawan scored six points and added six assists. Skylar Ingram had six points and pulled down eight rebounds.
Monique Febles scored 10 points for the Centurions and Libbie McMahan added nine.
Valencia is now 8-9 and 1-0 and Saugus is 14-3 and 0-1. The Cents play West Ranch on Friday at 5 p.m.
Canyon 67, West Ranch 23
Rachel Bowers and Talia Taufaasau each registered triple-doubles for the Cowboys. Bowers totaled 24 points, 10 rebounds and 11 blocks as Taufaasau notched 14 points, 12 assists and 10 steals.
Gabby Sanchez added a double-double with 12 points and 13 rebounds.
Canyon improves to 15-3 and 1-0. West Ranch is 10-5 and 0-1.
