Orland girls win battle of league's top JV squads
The Butte View League's top two JV basketball teams tipped off last Friday in Orland, with both Orland High and Las Plumas coming in with perfect 4-0 marks. Playing against a determined flock of Thunderbirds, the Lady Trojans weathered a comeback attempt and an injury to one of its players to post a 64-56 win. With the victory, Orland wrapped up the first half of the BVL season with a 5-0 mark.
The Trojans came out locked and loaded, finding the mark for a 17-6 lead at the end of the first eight minutes. Orland coach Roger Hansen said the momentum swung over to the LP side in the second period, as they trimmed the lead down to seven points.
After approaching a double-double with nine points and nine rebounds, the Lady Trojans' Sarah Gomes went down with a knee injury midway through the fourth quarter. "The team gathered and dedicated this win to her. To say they went out and played with heart does not come close to describing the battle in the last minutes of this game," the coach said. "The courage and effort these kids put out is something that's hard to describe. I'm at a loss for words."
Laeyla Ealy recorded yet another double-double, posting teams highs with 16 points and 24 rebounds. Bayleigh Fountain also doubled up with 13 points and 16 boards, with Christina Shannon putting up solid numbers of 16 points and seven assists.
