Hollister
– Russhelle Preeshl’s career game almost wasn’t enough because
Gilroy was so foul from the free-throw line.
But the Mustangs found a way to win another close encounter,
edging San Benito 49-47. It was the third straight two-point
Tri-County Athletic League loss for the Haybalers, who were back in
the gym after the game practicing.
Hollister – Russhelle Preeshl’s career game almost wasn’t enough because Gilroy was so foul from the free-throw line.
But the Mustangs found a way to win another close encounter, edging San Benito 49-47. It was the third straight two-point Tri-County Athletic League loss for the Haybalers, who were back in the gym after the game practicing.
“I am happy we faced a team like this,” GHS coach James Wilkins said. “It let us know that we are no better than anyone. In this league, it can go either way.”
Preeshl was the key for Gilroy (10-3 overall, 2-0 TCAL). The 5-10 senior had 22 points and 17 rebounds to help offset the loss of Dana Schoeneman, who missed more than half of the game in foul trouble.
“With Dana out I had to step it up,” Preeshl said. “I had to be the person in the paint. She was my motivation. I was playing for the both of us.”
Schoeneman picked up her fourth foul with 20 seconds left before halftime. Preeshl already had a double-double at halftime with 10 points and 11 rebounds.
“Rushie is zoned in,” Wilkins said. “She’s trying to exhibit leadership by example.”
After a slow start with the Mustangs trailing 8-6 at the end of the first quarter, GHS put its best eight offensive minutes of the season together. Other than an Angela Silveria jumper, the Mustangs got all the baskets within five feet and scored 21 points for a 27-21 halftime advantage.
While San Benito (3-11, 0-3) never took the lead in the second half, it was never out of the game. Guards Vanessa Farias and Elena Fata broke down the Gilroy defense with long-range shooting and drives, forcing the Mustangs to switch to man-to-man defense. Farias had 16 points, Fata added 11 and each dished out three assists. Megan Halstead had 10 points and 12 rebounds for the ‘Balers.
“They’re not quitting, but they’re tired of losing,” San Benito coach Al Rowe said of his team. “They know they’re right there. We need to step the defense up. We can put the ball in the basket but we need to shut them down on defense.”
San Benito has struggled from the foul line this season. But with Farias making 9-of-11, the ‘Balers were 17 of 27, which was far better than Gilroy’s 7 of 19. In fact, the Mustangs were 2 of 10 in the second half and 0 of 6 in the fourth quarter.
“We didn’t take this team lightly, but we didn’t play with a sense of urgency,” Wilkins said. “We have to play every game like it’s the last game of the season. That’s something we have to start working on right now.”
Despite limited playing time, Schoeneman had nine points and nine rebounds. Silveria had eight points and 10 rebounds. Vanessa Wilkins had 12 rebounds, five steals and four assists.
It was a physical game with plenty of hacking going on inside. Preeshl put it out of her mind.
“You have to stay calm and not let it faze you,” Preeshl said. “If you let it bother you, it’s going to affect how you shoot. I just tried to get better position.”
Because Preeshl was able to do that and the Mustangs were able to outrebound the ‘Balers 56-38, they remained unbeaten in the league with North Salinas coming to Gilroy on Thursday.
Sub-varsity: Gilroy scored the first six points of the fourth quarter and defeated San Benito 42-34 in the junior varsity contest. Jennifer Rose and Breanna Mah had eight points each for the Mustangs (8-2).
Angel Senor’s seven points led the GHS freshmen (8-1) to a 30-17 win.
Gilroy (49)-Tabilas 0, McAvoy 0, Schoeneman 9, A. Spellman 4, L. Spellman 0, Wilkins 6, Preeshl 22, Silveria 8, Magill 0. Totals 21 7-19 49.
San Benito (47)-O’Brien 0, Fata 11, Farias 16, Russel 5, Telles 0, Soza 0, O’Laughlin 4, Halstead 10, Travis 1, Cosalegno 0. Totals 13 17-27 47.
Gilroy 6 21 10 12 – 49
San Benito 8 13 13 13 – 47
3-point goals: SB, Fata 3, Farias.
