Despite cold spell, Gilroy defeats Notre Dame 37-24 and advances
to final of Mustang Classic
Gilroy – The Gilroy girls went almost 11 minutes Friday without scoring in the semifinals of the 22nd Mustang Classic at Bob Hagen Memorial Gymnasium.
It might have been disastrous if the Mustangs had zoned out defensively. But Gilroy’s zone was just what the Mustangs needed against a Notre Dame-San Jose team whose forte is not the outside shot.
Thus, GHS survived its cold shooting and never trailed in a 37-24 win that vaulted the defending champion Mustangs into the title game at 5pm today against St. Francis.
The Sharks used a 12-point second quarter run and the hot outside shooting of Jasmine Olivares to down Gunderson 40-31. Olivares led St. Francis (3-1) with 13 points.
Gilroy (3-0) was strong on both ends during the first 8 1/2 minutes of its game. When Angela Silveria scored two baskets in the first 38 seconds of the second quarter, the Mustangs led 15-4. GHS was stuck on 15 for the next 10:52. The Mustangs’ defense, however, never wavered as Notre Dame (1-1) scored just six points.
And then Vanessa Wikins showed how to take over a game without scoring a point. The junior guard had two inbounds passes that resulted in easy baskets by Laura Spellman and Dana Schoeneman. Wilkins also had two of her five steals during an explosive 78-second span, finding Spellman for an easy fastbreak basket. GHS moved ahead 25-11 and wasn’t challenged again.
“I was extremely happy with our defense,” coach James Wilkins said. “I think that is our strong point. In practice we’re going to have to work more on our offense. We’re getting the ball down low and getting looks but are not connecting. At this point in time, I am not worried.”
Schoeneman and Silveria each had plenty of looks at the basket, but their shots weren’t falling. Still, they compensated with their rebounding and defense. Schoeneman got a double-double with 10 points and 14 rebounds. The senior post also had three blocked shots and three steals. Silveria had 11 rebounds, four blocks and three steals.
And Laura Spellman gave the Mustangs a lift off the bench with eight points, filling in capably for her older sister, Amanda, who was slowed by an ankle injury. Her status for tonight’s championship game is uncertain.
“I have to show I can play,” said Laura Spellman, a sophomore. “When I am out there I have to do what I can to help the team. With defense comes our offense.”
Becca Herzog led the Regents with 11 points and 12 rebounds. Notre Dame shot 11-of-47 from the field.
Gilroy, which enjoyed a 52-35 advantage on the boards, wasn’t much better shooting 15-of-51 from the field.
“The defense was good but it will have to better (tonight),” Silveria said. “We will have to defense them all over the court.”
Notre Dame – San Jose (24) – Farrales 0, Bartolomei 1, Herzog 11, Dizon 2, Butler 0, King 0, Tee 4, Timbol 0, Sanidad 6, Cunningham 0. Totals 11 2-8 24.
Gilroy (37) – Tabilas 0, McAvoy 4, Schoeneman 10, A. Spellman 0, L. Spellman 8, Wilkins 5, Solorio 2, Preeshl 0, Silveria 8, Magill 0. Totals 15 7-14 37.
Notre Dame 4 4 7 9 – 24
Gilroy 11 4 14 8 – 37
JV Tournament: Gilroy didn’t have anyone in double figures but the Mustangs pressure defense was stellar in a 41-22 win over Gunderson.
The Mustangs (3-0), led by eight points from Breanna Mah, will face Notre Dame-Salinas in the 5pm final in the GHS auxiliary gym.
