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ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Zyondupree Beasley, East Union basketball
AOW Zyondupree Beasley

 The Lancers’ third-year senior filled the stat sheet during their biggest win of the season, so far, but not everything she did is quantifiable in the thrilling 62-58 overtime win over previously-undefeated Central Catholic on Thursday, Jan. 15.

Beasley showed her versatility as a ball handler, helping settle the offense as it tried to navigate through the Raiders’ bothersome press defense. The 5-foot-7 forward finished with 21 points, 11 rebounds, four steals and three blocks.

“I’ve been working on being a well-rounded player,” Beasley said. “I’m not the tallest out there, but I want to work on being the strongest player I can be, whether it’s with ball handling, boxing out for rebounds, stuff like that.”

Though not the tallest, Beasley was still able to have her way in the paint. Late in regulation, she helped lead a comeback by six straight points for the Lancers, who started the fourth quarter down, 38-31. Two of those buckets were spinning drives to the basket from the baseline.

She then racked up two pints, three rebounds and a steal in the extra period.

“That’s my move,” Beasley said. “If they give me my spot, I’m going to take it, and it’s going to go in every time. That’s what practice is for.

“I’m glad I was able to provide for my team in such a big way offensively as well as defensively.”

East Union took care of Oakdale earlier in the week, 65-27. Beasley scored a team-high 13 points to go with seven rebounds and four assists in limited time.

She followed her big effort on Tuesday with 22 points in a 68-42 win at Manteca. The Lancers (6-0, 18-4 overall) remain alone at the top of the standings at the midway point of their Valley Oak League schedule.