As one of four newcomers on the Sierra girls basketball squad, Emalina Latu came close to a double-double on Friday night, leading the Timberwolves with 14 points and securing seven rebounds during a 45-32 non-league victory over the visiting Livingston team. “High school is quite challenging and intensely competitive,” Latu remarked. “I believe the team […]
As one of four newcomers on the Sierra girls basketball squad, Emalina Latu came close to a double-double on Friday night, leading the Timberwolves with 14 points and securing seven rebounds during a 45-32 non-league victory over the visiting Livingston team.
“High school is quite challenging and intensely competitive,” Latu remarked. “I believe the team performed admirably, and it’s all about teamwork.”
With Latu excelling in the paint, Janessa Barnes controlled the perimeter for the Timberwolves (3-2), contributing 10 points, six rebounds, five steals, and an assist as she played with purpose.
“We had some lingering issues with them from flag football,” Barnes stated. “So, we aimed to address that in this game, and we approached it with a lot of energy.
“A glance at the score demonstrates the impact of high energy.”
Sierra dominated rebounding 39-28, with Alison Cozby (five points) pulling in seven rebounds, Taylor Zalunardo (two points, one steal) grabbing five, Felicia Cruz-Olenhouse collecting four, and both Mya Everett (eight points, three steals, three blocks, two assists) and Tessa Zalunardo (three steals) contributing three each.
“I thought we played effectively,” said Timberwolves coach Chris Zalunardo. “We had considerable energy on both offense and defense.
“We were able to execute our plays well, and everyone contributed when on the court.”
Sierra recorded 20 steals and compelled 23 turnovers.
“Our defense is aggressive,” Chris Zalunardo noted. “And we executed it well tonight.”
Isabella Zazueta of the Wolves (1-3) was the top scorer with 15 points, while teammate Tatianna Alvarez (six rebounds, three steals, two assists) added eight, going a perfect 8-for-8 from the free-throw line.
Sierra will host El Capitan from Merced on Tuesday night at 7:30.
Junior varsity
Livingston 27, Sierra 24
The Timberwolves secured two steals in the last 10 seconds but failed to capitalize on either chance. The Wolves added a free throw with just one second left.
Sierra’s Noora Kaur scored nine points, and Kaylee Diego contributed six.
