Girls’ basketball: Valencia’s OT triumph over Hart confirms my fears
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I don’t know if anyone out there noticed, but I’ve been really tentative about making any predictions about how things will pan out in the Foothill League title race this season. And the reason I haven’t done so is because I’m scared -- I’m scared that I’m going to pick a team, like perennial champions Hart, to take the title only to see them get kicked around by talented teams from Saugus, Valencia, Canyon or even West Ranch (gasp!).
So I’m going to wait until early February to pick my favorite for the title, especially now that Valencia broke Hart’s 20-game league winning streak with a 62-58 OT victory over the Indians on Friday.
Behind an out-of-nowhere 22-point performance by Starla Wright (the junior forward has been averaging 8.9 ppg), the Vikings not only beat their biggest cross-town rival, but proved the Foothill League title race will be wide open. More importantly, the Vikings’ first win over Hart in more than three years was exactly what they need to overcome Wednesday’s loss to Saugus and prove they’re title contenders.
The trick now is for Valencia not to trip over its own success. I don’t think this going to happen, even though Tuesday’s contest against a solid West Ranch team is practically a must-win if Valencia wants to steal Hart’s crown.
As for Megan Ford and the rest of the Indian crew, they’re not going anywhere. They might have a more brightly-colored target on their chests now that they’ve shown some vulnerability, but they’re still the team to beat.
Also, be sure to listen to my audio interview with Valencia Coach Jerry Mike:
-- Image from www.valenciavikings.com