Third Quarter Not Friendly to Kares

Kayley Martin led the Kares in scoring. (Photo by Anne Cypress)

(Anaheim) – Mesa Grande Academy’s defense clamped down on Rio Hondo Prep during the third quarter by not allowing a field goal for 7:32 to win its first ever CIF championship in Girls Basketball, 48-44.

It is the Kares fifth runner-up finish.

The Anaheim Arena which is across from “the happiest place on earth” became a nightmare for Rio Hondo in the third quarter with one field goal being recorded after having the lead a four point lead at the half.

After a horrid first half shooting for the Cardinals, Jennifer Dupper came out on fire hitting two-straight three-pointers for a two point lead at 6:36 of the third quarter.

The quarter continued to unravel for the Kares with no inside looks to Charley Parker or Hannah Martin after establishing their presence in the key during the first half. Parker and Martin as a duo scored zero points in the third quarter.

With Rio Hondo going cold, Mesa Grande Academy went on an 11-1 run before Kayley Martin hit a jumper for the Kares only field goal.

After allowing the Cardinals to start the game on a 5-0 lead, the Kares began to grind its way to the lead.

Kayley Martin’s three-pointer with 4:39 in the second quarter gave Rio Hondo Prep its first lead of the game at 15-13.

The Kares held Mesa Grande Academy to 20% shooting in the first half and looked on the verge prior to the halftime buzzer to blowing the game open with Martin supplying the outside shooting and the Parker/Martin combo being physical down on the inside blocks.

Martin did her part to keep Rio Hondo in the game in the fourth quarter scoring eight of her team-high 15 points. Martin timely buried two three-pointers in the final minute but none bigger than with 33 seconds remaining in the game to cut the lead to two points.

Unfortunately for the Kares, the Cardinals managed to hit its free throws down the stretch to ensure the win.

Karah Kirby played tough defense on Nicole Beeks. (Photo by Anne Cypress)

1 2 3 4 F
Rio Hondo Prep 8 12 3 21 44
Mesa Grande Academy 10 6 13 19 48
at Anaheim Arena
Rio Hondo Prep POINTS
Jayleen Wong 6
Karah Kirby 6
Kayley Martin 15
Charley Parker 9
Hannah Martin 8
TOTALS 44
Mesa Grande Academy POINTS
Michaela Garcia 11
Jennifer Dupper 16
Rachel Tohm 14
Amanda Darkens 1
Jaci Shanker 6
TOTALS 48

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