In a competitive championship matchup, the La Salle girls basketball team triumphed over Marlborough High School with a score of 55-43 on Tuesday night, securing the title at the Glendora tournament. This victory marks the second time this season La Salle has defeated Marlborough, having previously won their encounter on December 13, 2023, with a score of 61-42.
Strong Performance from La Salle
Ranked 14th in the CIF Southern Section, La Salle demonstrated strategic prowess throughout the game. Coach Scott Wiard emphasized the opportunity for growth that comes from facing a familiar opponent. “We told our kids it’s a great opportunity to practice like it’s a league game,” Wiard noted. “It turned out to be a positive for us.”
This championship win adds to La Salle’s successful season, having previously claimed victory in the San Marino tournament against Crescenta Valley with a score of 46-41.
Key contributions came from several players. Sophomore forward Aislin Tamez Torres led the team with 15 points, shooting an impressive 6 of 9 from the field. Tamez Torres, a standout player from Mexico, reflected on her journey, stating, “Being here by myself from Mexico, it’s just about representing my country.” Her leadership has been pivotal in the Lancers’ strong start to the season, boasting a record of 15-2.
Team Dynamics and Future Challenges
Junior forward Riley Higgins also made a significant impact, contributing 13 points, along with nine rebounds, and playing a vital role on the defensive end. Coach Wiard commented on Higgins’ development, saying, “We’re asking Riley to do more and more as the year goes on.”
La Salle maintained control for most of the first half, although they faced a brief setback when Marlborough took a 24-23 lead midway through the second quarter. Following a timeout, the Lancers regrouped and reclaimed the lead before halftime. The team’s offensive momentum surged at the end of the third quarter, allowing them to establish a nine-point lead heading into the final period.
In the fourth quarter, La Salle extended its advantage to as many as 13 points, effectively managing the game and thwarting any attempts by Marlborough to close the gap.
With this win, La Salle has turned around a shaky start to the season, now riding a 15-game winning streak. They are set to face Canyon High School from Canyon Country in a nonleague matchup on Friday at 18:00, part of the Dave Wilson Classic at Village Christian.
The tournament victory not only highlights La Salle’s talent but also showcases the hard work and dedication of both players and coaching staff. The Lancers’ trajectory this season positions them as a formidable force in the CIF Southern Section.
