With 2:48 left in the fourth quarter, Senior Jazzy Alcantar sank two free throws to make the score 49-48 in the NCS Championship. However, this would be as close as the Jets would get to an elusive championship, as they would end up losing 53-48 to #2 Head Royce (19-4) in the Division 4 final on March 1 at Hayward High School.
#1 Encinal (19-9) came into the game on the heels of two dominant playoff wins, but the Jayhawks, led by Senior Morgan Ross, were up to the task. The Jets found themselves in a quick hole, trailing 22-12 early in the second quarter. However, the Jets clawed back some of the difference, ending 25-20 by halftime. This came off the back of Alcantar drawing smart fouls and Senior Haley Hyunh making a three. Head Royce’s Ross had 20 points in the first half.
The Jayhawks kept feeding the ball to Ross in the second half as Head Royce went up 32-21. But Encinal didn’t stop fighting, going on an 8-0 run capped by a steal and score from Senior Surina Castro at the 2:45 mark. The teams traded baskets before Castro made a free throw to tie the game at 34-34. However, Ross made a desperation 3-pointer at the buzzer to give the Jayhawks a 3 point lead after three quarters.
The 4th quarter would prove to be the the tightest, with a loud and energetic gym contributing to an electric atmosphere. Alcantar continued to play smart, drawing more fouls and scoring 10 of her 19 points in the final quarter. Ross, who had proven herself to be a serious threat, fell victim to Encinal double-teaming, limiting her to 7 points.
With 31 seconds left and Head Royce up 51-48, Coach Lyons called a timeout to draw up a play. Castro, one of the Jets strongest shooters, had a good look at a 3-pointer, but it didn’t fall. She finished the game with 11 points. Encinal was forced to foul Leila Haile who made two free throws with 8 seconds left. Despite the yelling and undoubtable pressure, she made both free throws.
“I felt like I personally could have performed a little bit better. Scoring wise, I was a little bit off, but I did what I could on defense and other ends on the floor,” Alcantar said. “I thought [our chemistry] was a little bit off…A lot of people were nervous and it’s the first time we’ve ever made it this far, so the nerves were normal and I think that just overall affected the way we performed as a team.”
Encinal still claims a NCS Runner Up banner, silver medals, and the pride of the whole school. The journey isn’t over for the team either, as they will compete against Argonaut High School in the CIF state playoffs on March 4th.
“It was super exciting to have our girls play in the championship game, and even though [they were] not victorious, it was still a historical game,” athletic director Kevin Gorham said. “It’s gotta be one game at a time, you can’t think about…tomorrow’s game, you can’t think about anything else.”
NCS Semi-Finals vs Sonoma Valley
#5 Sonoma Valley visted Encinal on February 26 looking for an upset. However, the Jets were motived from the get go, running out to a 22-14 lead after the 1st quarter. The team played well together, with the spotlight on Senior Jazzy Alcantar, who scored 26 points.
The Dragons hung around in the first half, making enough shots to stay withing striking distance. Encinal led 35-26 at the half.
The point difference continued to grow throughout the game, Alcantar and Castro showing grit over and over as the highest scorers on Encinal. As the final buzzer sounded, and the score 66-47, the girls’ excitement was evident. They would be going to the NCS Championship.
“I’m really excited to play tomorrow, our team is ready to play and hopefully win…We have a very great team, good chemistry, everything. It’s all about our energy and our mindset going into the game and I think we can win it,” said Castro when talking about the championship game.
However, Castro landed on her ankle near the end of the game. The injury was serious but she pushed through it and played hard despite.
With 7 seniors, Encinal Women’s Basketball has made it further than ever before in the history of the school. The work and effort that put in by every player has made the Jets community proud.
“It’s been an amazing ride. Love their effort that they put in from start to now and they continue to improve and get better every single day,” head coach Juanita Lyons said. “…We always have strong odds. Always. I always say I’ll take my 12 over anybody, anyday.”
NCS Playoffs, Round 2 vs Archie Williams
After obtaining a first round bye as the number one seed, Encinal faced #9 Archie Williams on Feb. 22. Lead by Alcantar (20 pts) and Senior Haley Huynh (15 points), the Jets walked away with a 54-39 win.
Although the game was deadlocked at 12-12 after one quarter, Encinal pulled away in the 2nd, going up 30-18 at the half. Senior Isabelle Lu hit two 3-point shots in a row, amazing the crowd with strong ball control. However, during one of Archie Williams’ inbound plays, she got hit in the face, causing her to get a tooth knocked out.
Even with this painful setback, Encinal excelled in the 2nd half, holding down a strong defense and scoring 24 points altogether. The Jets also shot well from behind the arc, making 8 three-pointers in total.
