Wins not in the Cards in Oroville

OROVILLE - There were Cardinals, Falcons, Bobcats, Tigers, Thunderbirds and even Fighting Zebras on the court at Oroville High over the weekend, but the only thing that couldn't be found by Corning High's girls basketball team was a victory, as they went 0-3 in the tourney.

Las Plumas 45, Corning 43

Corning's best chance of a win best chance of a win came in their Saturday contest with the Thunderbirds, but you would not have guess that early on. After a Gates Fears put-put back and Karlie Jennings's jumper spotted the Lady Cardinals' a 4-0 lead, LP went on 10-point run to go up 10-4. The Cardinals pecked away to make it just 12-8 after the opening period.

The second quarter saw the Thunderbirds hit a field goal and pair of freebies to stretch the lead to 16-8, but it was Corning's turn for a run. Jennings tickled the twine from three-point territory, and Marisa Vinson followed her up with another try, spurring a 17-point surge that propelled the Cardinals out in front 25-16.

The last two hoops of the quarter came from LP, as they went into intermission trailing 25-20.

The Cardinals nursed the five-point advantage through the third period as well, heading into the final 8 minutes holding a 34-29 lead.

The Thunderbirds grabbed the lead back with 1:31 remaining on a pair from the stripe to go ahead 42-41, before getting a key rebound hoop and a free throw with 17 seconds remaining to put it away.

Jennings double-doubled with 15 points and 112 rebounds, with Keara Terras adding seven points and Vinson, six.

Oroville 51, Corning 33

The Cardinals had to play from behind essentially the entire game Friday, with Vinson's 3-pointer keeping them close and making the deficit just 9-7 after the opening period of play.

Oroville held a distinct rebounding advantage, and limited the Cardinals' second-chance opportunities to out-score them 14-8, 17-10 and 11-8 for the other three quarters.

Jennings led Corning with 11 points and grabbed seven rebounds, Vinson chipped in with seven points and four assists, and Fears controlled eight boards to go along with her five points.

Alex Andoe led Oroville with 18 points and Amber Taamai pitched in 12.

Paradise 51, Corning 20

Nothing much went Corning's way in their Thursday opener, as Darian Horner's 25 points for Paradise eclipsed the Cardinals' team total. Ariel Echeberry also aided Paradise with 10 points.

Vinson's six was the highest output for Corning, and Fears worked the backboards for nine rebounds.

Corning coach Curt Eller pointed out at the tourney's end, "Ten-of-25 free throws was our downfall. Hopefully we learned this weekend that we have to bring it every night, and if we do, we can compete."

CONTACT Craig Purcell at 824-1036 or cpurcell@tcnpress.com.