CCOP comeback earns first place tie CCOP comeback earns first place tie (January 20, 2006)

Tri-Valley League contest pits 8th grade girls against St. Isidore

The Catholic Community of Pleasanton (CCOP) 8th grade girl's basketball team pulled into a tie for first place in the Tri-Valley League after defeating their rivals, St. Isadore of Danville. CCOP handed St. Isadore's its first loss of the season, but it took an overtime period to seal the victory for CCOP. St. Isadore got off to a 14 to 7 lead to start off the game and at half time St. Isadore held an eight-point lead. CCOP battled back and had 30-28 lead with seconds to go in the fourth quarter. A St. Isadore player converted an offense rebound into a basket in the waning seconds of regulation time to tie the score sending the game into overtime.

CCOP hit the first basket in overtime to take the lead that they never relinquished. CCOP endured physical play, as St. Isadore was in the penalty most of the fourth quarter and in overtime leading to many free throw opportunities for CCOP. Three St. Isadore players ultimately fouled out of the game. Alana D'Onofrio sank a free throw in the last seconds to give CCOP a three-point lead. St. Isadore in bounded the ball and got off a decent shot in an attempt to tie the game. Jessica Mickelson showed great athleticism by blocking St. Isadore's last ditch effort shot near the three-point line as time expired, preserving the 35-32 victory.

Scarlett Dante led the team in steals and ran the offense well. Kendra Hessel played well in all areas of the game leading the team in both scoring and rebounding. Hessel pumped in 16 points, while Britannia Bloom added 11 and D'Onofrio finished the game with five points.

Hessel pulled down nine rebounds while Emily Pease and Haley Douglas helped her control the boards. Courtney Wagner and Jessica Infald played tough defense in the victory.

In other action, on Jan. 15, the team beat St. Isadore #2 by a score of 26-19. The victory helped CCOP keep a partial claim to first place in the American Division in the Tri-Valley League. St. Isadore #2 got off to a quick start and lead half way through the first quarter eight to four. Coach Bob Luther then had his team invoke a half court trap that derailed St. Isadore's offense. Haley Douglas and Courtney Wager made several crucial steals that helped CCOP regain the lead. Britannia Bloom and Kendra Hessel each had seven points to lead the team in scoring. Jessica Infald added three more points to the tally. Hessel continued her outstanding play as she led CCOP in many offensive and defensive areas. Jessica Mickelson and Emily Pease helped CCOP dominate both the offensive and defensive with their tenacious rebounding. Guards Chelsea Luther and Scarlett Dante dished out the assists and were instrumental in limiting St. Isadore's offensive with their aggressive defense. -Bob Douglas

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