Girls’ Basketball : Cabaldon Plays to Win and Reseda Finally Falls

Michelle Cabaldon of North Hollywood High had seen her team lose five consecutive games to cross-town rival Reseda, including two championship games in the City Section 3-A Division playoffs, and she played Wednesday like she couldn’t bear another defeat.

Cabaldon scored 27 points and Claudia Rocha added 26 to lead North Hollywood to a 66-60 come-from-behind victory in a Mid-Valley League game at Reseda.

“Michelle told me that it was her time to show leadership and to make sure we didn’t lose,” North Hollywood Coach Rich Allen said. “She made the shots when we needed them the most.”

The Huskies (15-4 overall, 8-1 in league play) seemed destined for another loss after missing their first five shots of the second half.

Reseda (13-3, 8-1) held a 40-27 lead until Cabaldon took control. She scored 13 points in the third quarter, including a three-point basket at the buzzer, as the Huskies ran off 23-9 spurt.