Visiting Sierra exploded for a 21-point second-quarter, and after a fourth period that saw eight lead changes and three ties the Timberwolves outscored Manteca 9-4 in overtime for a thrilling 58-53 win, forcing the Buffaloes to share a portion of the girls Valley Oak League championship with East Union.
“This is only my second year coaching varsity, but tonight was my greatest coaching experience,” Sierra coach Rudy Valencia said. “And that was the team I have been telling them they were all year. We have had some close losses against really good teams, but I knew that that was our team, and I am just glad we were able to do it the very last game of league play.
“In that second half, we missed some point-blank layups and then they made some and all of a sudden that gap closed a little tighter. Manteca High is a great team. Izzy (Sanchez) is a solid player. They have a lot of talent over there and I have a lot of respect for (Manteca coach) Oscar (Calix) and the organization and what they have done as far as always being competitive. I’m just glad that now I can say Sierra is not just a pushover. It has been a decade or so since the last time we beat Manteca, and that was special for our girls.”
The Timberwolves (4-6 VOL, 15-12 overall) led 49-45 with 1:20 left in the fourth period. Sanchez (12 points, 10 rebounds) scored off of an assist from Brea Vieira (12 points) to make the score 49-47 with 38 seconds left. Following a Sierra back-court violation Sanchez drew the Buffaloes (8-2, 22-6) within a point on a free throw, but then suffered a leg injury and left the game with 19.8 seconds remaining.
Manteca had multiple short looks at the basket in the closing seconds, and Jada Ikharo (16 points) was fouled on an offensive rebound as time expired and converted one of two free throws, forcing overtime with the score tied at 49-49.
The extra period belonged to the Timberwolves. Taylor Zalunardo (16 points) opened overtime with a fast-break basket on an assist from Janessa Barnes (eight points, nine rebounds) and following a free throw by Mya Everett (13 points), Barnes scored on another fast break, this one fed from Emma Gilmore (11 points, six assists) to make the score 54-50.
Gilmore scored her team’s final four points in overtime, one basket coming on an offensive rebound.
“Coming into this game, we were all very nervous,” Gilmore said. “We did a really good job of boxing out and I don’t think I would have got that last put-back without the twins – Abby and Alex (Chapman) – boxing out. That’s how I was able to get that rebound and thankfully finish.
Abigail Chapman (eight points, 13 rebounds) made two huge rebounds down stretch in overtime.
“Offense doesn’t always win games,” Abigail Chapman said. “It’s defense and being aggressive underneath. I knew that if we were going to win we had to be strong on the boards because they do have some big girls, especially Izzy (Sanchez). She is a really good player and I knew I had had to push hard for the team.
“We wanted this. We have been wanting this for four years.”
Jaesha Dunn pulled down 11 rebounds for the Buffaloes and teammate Michailla Springs made a 3-pointer in the final seconds of overtime.
“We have to play a complete game,” Calix said. “That first quarter for us was really bad and that was really the difference in the game. We played hard the second quarter, third quarter and fourth quarter but that first quarter we came out flat.
“Emotions were running high as there was a lot of stuff going on with the girls. The rivalry is there – Brea (Vieira) went to Sierra and transferred over, Izzy (Sanchez) started at Sierra, so emotions were high and we played sloppy. Sierra deserved to win.”
Both teams now await the seeding announcement from the Sac-Joaquin Section for the playoffs that begin next week.
Junior varsity
Manteca 35, Sierra 29
The Timberwolves held the Buffaloes scoreless in the first quarter, and Manteca returned the favor in the fourth period, outscoring Sierra 19-0 in the final quarter for the come-from-behind win.
Na’ima Calderon (nine points) scored eight points in the fourth quarter for the Buffaloes and Talia Shelbourne (14 points) chipped in seven in the final period.
Gracie Costa scored led the Timberwolves with 12 points.
