GIRLS BASKETBALL: Leigh Races Past Lincoln in Tourney Opener

Leigh 67, Lincoln 33

The Star: Lauren Holt couldn’t be contained on Tuesday night. The smooth sophomore scored a game-high 23 points, attacking the glass with a vengeance especially on the offensive end of the floor. Holt and junior Justine Kwan each flourished off Lincoln’s turnovers in the first half. Kwan finished the game with 12 points and three blocks. Speedy point guard Amelia Rodriguez scored 10 points in the lopsided first round triumph.

The Turning Point: The Longhorns success started at the defensive end of the floor. Opening up the game on a 19-4 run, the host Longhorns feasted off several errand Lions passes in the first half. Leigh led by 14 at the break and extended the advantage to 25 points by the end of the third quarter. .

The Quote: "The goal is to win the tournament." —Leigh head coach Pam Zielazowski said. “We look to get out and run whenever we can. Our defense runs our offense.”

Sophomore Lauren Holt led the Longhorns in scoring and rebounding. She’s also hoping for a long run towards the BVAL tournament championship that will be held on Friday

“For our team, getting a good start is very important,” Holt said. “We like to play up tempo basketball.”

What's Next? Leigh will play at Westmont High in Campbell tonight at 7 pm. The boys and girls semifinals will be held on Thursday and the finals will take place on Friday.

Bottom Line: It was a dominant showing from the Longhorns. The big win gave Leigh its 20th victory of the season heading into the meat of tournament bracket. Lauren Holt, Justine Kwan and Sophie Torrecillas provided plenty of energy on the defensive end all evening long. Their alert play in the passing lanes opened up the fast break game which overwhelmed the overmatched Lincoln lineup.

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 Scoring

 Leigh

 Kwan-12

Rodriguez-10

Kenner-5

Holt-23

Okamura-6

Torrecillas-5

Stein-2

Warren-4