In a highly anticipated rematch, the La Salle girls basketball team secured a 55-43 victory against Marlborough in the championship game of the Glendora tournament on March 15, 2024. This win marks the Lancers’ second tournament championship of the season, solidifying their status among the top teams in the CIF Southern Section.
Ranked No. 14 in the CIF-SS, La Salle demonstrated resilience and skill, having previously defeated Marlborough 61-42 in a prior encounter on December 13, 2023. The Mustangs, currently positioned at No. 20 in the rankings, faced a formidable opponent in the Lancers.
Key Performances and Strategies
La Salle coach Scott Wiard emphasized the importance of this rematch, stating, “We told our kids it’s a great opportunity to practice like it’s a league game. Play a team, come back and play them two weeks later. It turned out to be a positive for us.” His strategy paid off as the Lancers navigated the pressures of a close game.
Among the standout players was Aislin Tamez Torres, who contributed significantly with a team-high 15 points, shooting an impressive 6 of 9 from the field. The sophomore forward, originally from Mexico, expressed pride in her achievements, saying, “Being here by myself from Mexico, it’s just about representing my country.” Tamez Torres has emerged as a key player for La Salle, helping them to a remarkable 15-2 season start.
Junior forward Riley Higgins also played a pivotal role, contributing 13 points, nine rebounds, and three steals during the game. Wiard praised Higgins for stepping into a more significant role this season, highlighting her defensive efforts and overall impact on the game.
Game Dynamics and Final Quarter Surge
The Lancers maintained a lead for much of the first half, but the Mustangs briefly surged ahead with a 24-23 advantage late in the second quarter. After a timeout called by Wiard, La Salle regrouped and reclaimed the lead before halftime. They entered the fourth quarter with a nine-point advantage, further extending their lead to as many as 13 points in the final moments.
With a strong offensive push, La Salle kept the pressure on Marlborough, who struggled to respond effectively to the Lancers’ momentum. The victory reinforced La Salle’s current 15-game winning streak, a remarkable turnaround after starting the season 1-2.
Looking ahead, La Salle is set to face Canyon of Canyon Country in a nonleague game on Friday at 18:00 in the Dave Wilson Classic at Village Christian. The Lancers will aim to continue their impressive run as they progress through the season.
