Hollister High girls basketball coach Richard Silva can thank
his lucky stars his Lady Balers can hit free throws.
Hollister High girls basketball coach Richard Silva can thank his lucky stars his Lady Balers can hit free throws.
The Balers sunk 16 of 22 in Wednesday’s opening round game of the Mt. Pleasant Tournament vs. Santa Teresa. The accuracy at the charity stripe proved crucial in the Balers’ 55-50 overtime victory over the Saints, which pushed the Balers’ non-league record to 3-1.
The Saints tied the game in regulation on a halfcourt Hail Mary shot, which was a very long three-pointer to knot the score 46-46.
“It was borderline if it beat the buzzer,” said Silva. “I was looking for a replay like in the Indiana-Maryland game the night before. But give the girl credit for making it. It was an unbelievable shot. And give our girls credit for responding in overtime and not hanging their heads.”
The Saints’ Hail Mary followed a missed free throw by Trisha Lee, who had hit the front end. The Balers had a halftime lead of 27-19 despite Silva’s decision to rest center Sarah Groman the whole second quarter due to Groman’s acquiring two quick first-period fouls.
Naomi Ruiz led all Baler scorers with 11 points.
“Naomi’s getting more consistent,” said Silva. “That’s what we need.”
Groman and Gina Caianiello each had 10 points. Caianiello spotted up for a three before the halftime buzzer, took a nifty pass from Lee and buried it. Lee, unfortunately, was banged up on the play, but returned to play a pivotal role in the win. She had nine points to go with four assists and three steals.
One player who added bonus points was guard Desina Gonzales, who chipped in nine big points and six steals.
“Desina had the game of her life,” said Silva. “She had steals and was a spark plug for us.”
Caianiello had 10 steals to go with five assists. Groman had 13 rebounds and four blocked shots, while Ruiz had seven boards. Jennifer Tremblay had six rebounds and six points.
The Balers play Wilcox tonight in the semifinals. The Chargers nipped Independence by two points. Tipoff is 5 p.m. A win would put the Lady Balers in Friday’s championship game at 7 p.m. A loss and the Balers play for third place at 5:30 p.m. Friday.
Hollister has never won a girls basketball tournament at the varsity level.
