The Woodland Christian girls basketball team triumphed over Palma in a thrilling overtime match, securing a 37-35 victory in the second round of the CIF Division V Championships. The match, held on March 7, 2024, showcased the Cardinals’ resilience as they battled back from a late deficit to advance to the semifinals, set for March 9, 2024, against John Adams Academy.
With just 21 seconds left in regulation, the Cardinals found themselves trailing by three points at 34-31. In a pivotal moment, junior captain Bailee Broward received an offensive rebound from freshman Sofia Sorbello and sunk a decisive three-pointer as the buzzer sounded, tying the game at 34-34 and sending it into overtime. This clutch performance has become characteristic of Woodland Christian, which has a history of rising to the occasion in high-pressure situations.
The overtime period began with Palma scoring a free throw, taking a brief 35-34 lead. Broward quickly responded by driving down the court to make a tough layup, giving Woodland Christian a narrow 36-35 advantage. “Our defense remained steadfast down the stretch, and Palma was forced to foul to try and get the ball back,” said head coach Shiloh Sorbello. The Cardinals managed to maintain their lead, with junior captain Siena Sorbello contributing a crucial free throw in the closing seconds. Despite Palma’s efforts to secure a last-minute shot, the attempt fell short, guaranteeing Woodland’s advancement.
Palma entered the game as the No. 2 seed in the CIF Division V State bracket, boasting a 25-4 record and a recent CIF Central Coast Section championship. The Chieftains had showcased their prowess throughout the season, including a convincing opening-round victory against San Domenico, where they won 70-41.
The match was tightly contested from the start. The Cardinals led by a slim margin of 8-7 at the end of the first quarter. However, Palma surged ahead in the second quarter with a 12-8 scoring advantage, taking a 19-16 lead into halftime. The defensive intensity rose in the second half, with both teams managing only four points each in the third quarter, leaving the score at 23-20.
As the fourth quarter progressed, the score tightened even further. With just 38 seconds left in the game, both teams were tied at 32-32. Palma took a shot but missed, only to recover the rebound and complete a three-point play, giving them a 34-31 edge. Woodland Christian called a timeout to devise a strategy. The play was designed to get senior shooter Kylee Bihlman an open look for a three-pointer. Though her shot did not connect, Sofia Sorbello secured the rebound and passed it to Broward, who delivered the game-tying shot.
Broward finished the game as a standout player, contributing significantly to the team’s success. She scored the only basket in overtime and was crucial in the final moments of regulation. Freshman Sofia Sorbello led the team with 12 points and 7 rebounds, while Siena Sorbello added 9 points and 10 rebounds.
Looking ahead, the Cardinals will face John Adams Academy in the semifinals on March 9, 2024. John Adams Academy, with a record of 28-5, secured their semifinal spot after defeating Lowell in the previous round. The upcoming match presents another challenge for Woodland Christian as they aim to continue their impressive postseason run.
With their combination of skill, determination, and clutch performances, the Woodland Christian girls basketball team is poised to make an impact in the semifinals, embodying the competitive spirit that has defined their season.
