The562’s coverage of Long Beach Wilson Athletics is sponsored by Joel Bitonio, Class of 2009.
It wasn’t the best start for the Wilson’s girls’ basketball team, but in the playoffs it’s not about the way you start it’s how you finish.
And after a game of runs, the Bruins came away with a 43-35 opening round win against Hesperia at home in the CIF Southern Section Division 4 playoffs.
“It wasn’t the plan,” Wilson coach Hank Waddles said. “It’d be great if we started off strong. But, I think that the team has a lot of heart, a lot of grit.”
It was a slow start to the game as each team took their time getting into a rhythm. After sophomore Emily Alvarez-Smith scored a three to bring her total to five in the opening period the two teams were knotted at 6.
Ty’shana Alexander went on a 4-0 run herself in the second period to tie the game, but with a team of shooters – Hesperia had an answer. Paige Harralson scored a couple threes in the period and Jayonna Waller added another two to give the Scorpions a 18-13 lead.
Jordyn Jefferson and Alvarez-Smith went on a 4-0 run to end the first half as the Bruins trailed 20-17.
Wilson carried that momentum into the third period as they went on a 8-0 run to take a 25-20 lead. But, Hesperia had an answer as Paris Leonard hit a three to kickstart a 5-0 run for the visitors to make it a 1-point lead.
That run continued for the Scorpions as they went on a 6-0 run to take a 31-28 lead into the fourth quarter. Leonard extended the lead to five points and that’s when Alexander started to bring Wilson back.
She scored seven points from the line, three coming from the charity stripe as Wilson took the lead for good with 2:14 seconds left. Along with Alexander, Jefferson and Kayless Mascarinas all scored to extend the Bruins’ lead.
The playoff victory is the first for coach Hank Waddles and Wilson will look to keep their playoff journey going on Saturday when they head to Westlake.
Alvarez-Smith scored a game-high 14 and Alexander added 13.
“We’re really talented,” Alvarez-Smith said of her team. “I’m trying to help my team get all the way. Every practice we go hard. Coach Waddles always lifts us up and he believes in me and I believe in this team.”
