MidValleySports.Com

Wheatley lead all scorers.

(La Verne) –  Bonita rebounded from a devastating loss in the CIF Championship game to Orange Lutheran by winning its first ever State Playoff game against Cathedral Catholic in the Opening Round of the CIF State playoffs, 70-56.

Nikki Wheatley set the tone, along with Madison Zylstra as they accounted for 16 of 19 first quarter points to help the Bearcats bounce out to a 19-11 lead.

Wheatley finished with a game high 24 points and Zylstra closed out the game with 21.

The pesky Dons tried to match Bonita basket for basket but couldn’t get on even footing after relinquishing an early 6-5 lead. It was the only lead Cathedral Catholic enjoyed.

A 9-0 run spurred by Zylstra’s quick five pints and Wheatley’s four helped turn the momentum. Wheatley’s second bucked came after Taylor Anderson stole a pass from a Dons player.

The closest Cathedral Catholic got the remainder of the game was at 28-26 after Emily Kearney made two free-throws with 53 seconds remaining in the half.

The Bearcats extended its six-point halftime lead quickly in the third quarter on Anderson’s jumper to make the score 38-29 with 6:18 remaining.

After the Dons cut the lead to four on Christine Kime’s three-pointer, Bonita went on a 8-3 run that was highlighted by Wheatley picking the pocket of Kearney and taking it coast-to-coast.

The game completely blow open in the fourth quarter as Anderson, Zylstra and Wheatley all accounted for 11 points during a 11-3 run that made the score 59-46 with 5:32 remaining.

The momentum continued for the Bearcats down the stretch as they closed with a 9-3 run to ensure a second round game during the State Playoffs. Its next opponent will be Bell-Jeff which defeated Reseda 76-48.

The game will be played at Bonita High School.