Valerie Esteban from Godinez drives to the basket as Ayla Teegardin of Palisades defends Tuesday night. (Photos courtesy Mark Bausman, For OC Sports Zone).
Godinez girls basketball team stayed close for a half but Palisades took over in the third quarter and went on to capture a 54-38 victory over the Grizzlies in the CIF State So Cal Division IV final Tuesday night at Godinez.
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It was the first time in the state tournament for Godinez.
Palisades (16-13) moves on to the state final at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento Saturday at 10 a.m. vs. Faith Christian (33-1).
No. 5-seeded Palisades led by two points at halftime but took control outscoring Godinez 16-8 in the third quarter. Godinez was never able to recover.
Riley Oku scored 17 points and Elly Tierney 12 points to lead the Dolphins.
Godinez was led by Valerie Esteban who scored 14 points. Crystal Cruz and Julissa Mota added seven points each for No. 2-seeded Godinez.
Palisades hit six 3-pointers, including three by Sumaya Levy, who had nine points.
“We knew coming in they had some great 3-point shooters and our game plan was to run a 32-zone and take away the three-point line and not give up those three point shots on the drive,” said Godinez Coach AJ Alaman. “We fell asleep a couple times and they kicked it out and knocked down shots. We got some good looks on the offensive end, they just weren’t falling.
“They’re half court defense, they picked it up, and started switching on our screens. In that first half, we were able to get that pick and roll and get the ball down low and they did a good job of jumping out and taking that away in the second half.
“Credit to them, they’re one hell of a team. This is a special group, I’ve enjoyed this run with these seniors, it’s going to be hard to say good-bye to them.”
Palisades will be competing in the state tournament for the first time. The team qualified during the COVID year, but the competition was cancelled.
“I’m just very thankful and appreciative that we took advantage of the opportunity to make it this far,”said Coach LeBre Merritt. “It could have gone either way, I’m glad we were able to execute down the stretch.”
The Dolphins advanced to the final by defeating top-seeded Marina in the semifinals.
“We were confident from the start of playoffs because we knew we weren’t playing our best basketball to end the season so I told the girls continue to trust the system and continue to play hard and continue to play together, things will work out for you,” the coach said. “You want to be playing your best basketball in March anyway. The girls were able to put it together at the right time.”
Palisades led 39-29 after three quarters and went on a 5-0 run to start the fourth quarter.
Both teams were honored after the game with Palisades taking home the CIF State championship plaque and Godinez receiving the runner-up plaque.
“I’m definitely proud of this group, we would have loved one more and a trip to Sacramento,” Alaman said. “Got to look at the silver lining, we were fortunate to get this far, we told the girls we’re not here by chance, we’re a good team as well.”
—Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com
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