The Lady ‘Balers survived with a 56-46 victory at North Monterey
County
No one ever said winning on the road would be easy.
Despite jumping to a 20-2 lead, the San Benito girls basketball team needed to buckle its seatbelts because host North Monterey County came roaring back.
Fortunately for the Haybalers, who were coming off a big win in their finale at the West Coast Jamboree, a complete team effort proved effective as they held on to win 56-46 in Castroville.
After seeing its lead nearly vanish as the Condors (2-9) pulled within six points in the third quarter, San Benito used a timely three-point play from sophomore Ali Sharp to seal the win.
Taking a pass in the post, Sharp used a fake and a drop step to draw contact from her defender before converting the basket. The reserve forward’s free throw put San Benito back up by 10 points with less than two minutes remaining.
“We’re jelling, we’re jelling,” said ‘Balers head coach Al Rowe, whose team defeated Colton 66-21 to finish the Jamboree in Brentwood with a 1-2 record. “We’re coming together.”
San Benito (6-6) received contributions from its entire roster last night in its final tune-up before beginning the Tri-County Athletic League season against Gilroy on Friday. Freshman Vanessa Farias led the ‘Balers with 14 points and senior Ari Romero posted a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Senior Ashley Patton and sophomore Elena Fata scored 10 and eight points, respectively, while Sharp finished with seven points and five rebounds.
As a team, San Benito enjoyed a strong shooting performance. The ‘Balers shot 60 percent from the field (18-30) and 67 percent from the free throw line (12-18).
But Rowe credited San Benito’s defense most of all.
“It was the pressure defense that did it,” said Rowe, whose ‘Balers recorded an astounding 22 steals. “We stepped up the intensity. [North Monterey County] couldn’t move the ball up the court.”
Sophomore Bri Romero led the ball-hawking ‘Balers with six steals, while her sister, Ari, rounded out her all-around effort with five.
With San Benito’s league opener just two days away, Rowe was glad his team will host rival Gilroy sporting a two-game winning streak.
“It was perfect timing,” said Rowe of the victory. “Friday is the big one. We’re going to give [the Mustangs] a run. I know that.”
