CIF Playoffs: Lady Yellowjackets get bounced from playoffs by Desert Christian, 50-25
Yellowjackets struggle to find their offense, end inspired second half of their season with heads held high over promising future
Savannah Govea rises for a three pointer against Desert Christian. She scored 7 points.
Colton, CA—No one expected the Lady Yellowjackets to get this far. After their losses to Fontana and Kaiser on January 11 and 13, it looked like they would go away quietly, this season
Turns out, “quietly” was not the way this Yellowjacket plays, either on or off the court. After losing to Kaiser 64-14, the Yellowjackets rallied to go 3-3 to finish the season. They won a must-win against Rim of the World on January 31, and defeated Bloomington in the Skyline League tournament to secure their first second place finish in over a decade and a bid in the CIF playoffs.
In the first CIF playoff game of these players’ high school careers, they drew Desert Christian Academy from Bermuda Dunes in a home matchup on Saturday night. The Conquerors’ defense gave the Yellowjackets a lot of problems, and they cruised to a 50-25 victory.
Madison Barrera, averaging 17.4 points per game, finished with only 9 points. Savannah Govea added 7, and Brianna Chacon put in 5. Desert Christian was led by Natalie Duncan with 19 points.
Desert Christian came out strong after the opening tip, putting up 22 points in the first quarter as Duncan erupted for 13, including three 3-point baskets. The Yellowjackets played them even in the second quarter, but ended the half down 28-15.
Colton fought hard at the start of the second half, but after calling a quick timeout, Desert Christian put an end to the run and finished the third quarter ahead 41-21. Injuries in the second half also slowed down the Yellowjacket comeback, and the final score left the team frustrated and devastated.
“I’m proud of the girls,” head coach Keisha Young said. “They achieved something that has not been done in 12 years. The way we played the second half of the season looks very promising for next season.”
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