Canyon Springs women basketball team knocks off Arrowhead Christian in Division 4A playoff game

REDLANDS-- Players on many high school basketball teams are usually optimistic at the start of a season. That wasn't the case with this year's Canyon Springs girls basketball group.

The Cougars won only 8 games last season, and team members weren't expecting far better. Canyon Springs doubled last season's win overall with Saturday's 53-44 victory over Arrowhead Christian Academy in a CIF Southern Section Division 4A second-round game.

Canyon Springs (17-6) has actually won five straight video games and 9 of their last 10. The Cougars take a trip to Laguna Beach for a quarterfinal game Wednesday.

Arrowhead Christian finished their season with an 18-7 record, however the Eagles handled to score over 40 points, something just one team has actually managed to do in Canyon Springs' last nine games.

" Defense generates energy and energy brings self-confidence," first-year coach Sophie Ederaine stated. "We understood they (Arrowhead Christian) played really hard, so we had to play harder. They have some excellent shooters."

One of those shooters, freshman Sienna Batolo, struck a 3-pointer with 5:18 staying in the video game to give Arrowhead Christian a 36-35 advantage. The Cougars had a 13-2 scoring streak to keep the lead for keeps.

Syerah Harper had 6 points throughout that streak, and led the Cougars with 14 points. The senior has actually enjoyed the season after having her last 2 years negatively affected after tearing her ACL.

" The finest thing about this season is just how much we have grown as a household," stated Harper, who wishes to go to a Historically Black College or University. "After seeing each other and our 2nd video game, we believed we might do well."

In addition to her physical rebound, Harper, who wishes to become a pediatrician, collected 23 rebounds and had four helps. Senior teammate Angel Romero included 11 points, that included two three-point shots.

" It was an insane video game," stated Romero, who wants to end up being a taking a trip nurse. "We put in the effort when we were 3-0, which's when we believed we might really do this."

Ederaine was worried about ACA players Batolo and senior Aliyah Rosete, both of whom are standout 3-point shooters. Canyon Springs played strong defense down the stretch.

" We had a lot of turnovers," ACA coach Mike DeJong said. "We attempted to negate their height advantage. We believed if we might look after the ball and get great looks, we could have an opportunity. We did get great appearances. I'm proud of our team."