Whitney girls win big over Mira Loma in last home game
The Wildcats’ Molly McConnell has been a solid performer for Whitney basketball this season. The senior ranks second in scoring among her teammates.
Whitney’s Shelbi Meyer sweeps a rebound away from a Mira Loma player during a Capital Athletic League matchup won by the Wildcats 65-36. The win improved the ‘Cats to 3-4 in league play.
Whitney’s Molly McConnell goes up for two of her 14 points against visiting Mira Loma last week. The Wildcats had an easy go of it against the Matadors as the regular basketball season winds down.
The Whitney girls basketball team kept Mira Loma winless in the Capital Athletic League and improved their own record to 3-4 with a 65-36 victory last Friday.
Before the game, seniors Molly McConnell, Molly Miles, and Kristin Ladas (did not play) were honored by the school in their last game at home.
In the game, McConnell (14 points) was joined in double-digit scoring by a trio of sophomores, Shelbi Meyer (15), Sami Willis (13) and Alanna Scott (13).
The Wildcats’ starting five began fast, shooting 7-for-9 in a four minute span. By the time the coaching staff called for their first substitution, the Wildcats led 16-0.
McConnell went 4-4 in the opening period receiving assists from Meyer, Scott, and Katrina Nham.
The Wildcats’ near 50-percent shooting continued to put pressure on the Matadors. As the teams headed into break, Whitney had assumed a 41-19 lead.
“We wanted to put pressure on them to start the game,” said Whitney head coach Andy Carter, “because it worked well in our last meeting.”
Meyer assumed control of the paint in the second half. She scored eight points as the Matadors struggled to defend her.
On a night where the Wildcats’ shot 1-7 beyond the arc, Scott drained the sole 3-pointer in the third period on an assist from Willis.
The Wildcats concluded their five-consecutive home games with a 2-3 record. All three losses came against the league’s top-three schools. Whitney will finish their CAL schedule with three road games including Rio Americano (7-0) and El Camino (4-3).
Coach Carter, optimistic after Friday’s win, hoped to capture at least two victories to finish .500 in CAL play.
Representing her senior teammates, McConnell reflected on her time as a Wildcat.
“I loved this school,” said McConnell. “I love the coaches, I love the girls. I’m going to miss it a lot.”
WHITNEY 65, MIRA LOMA 36
Matadors 4 15 11 6 – 36
Wildcats 22 19 12 12 – 65
TEAM STATISTICS
Mira Loma - 13-45, 7-13, 36, 3Pts 3-18. Whitney 26-72, 12-18, 65, 3Pts 1-7.
Turnovers – ML 18, W16.
TEAM LEADERS
Meyer 7-12, 1-5, 15, McConnell 7-11, 0-0, 14, Scott 4-8, 4-4, 13, 3Pt 1-3.
Assists – Scott 4, Willis 3, Nahm 2, Meyer 2, Scott 2.