Alemany Out of Comebacks

TORRANCE — In its Southern California Regional opener against Yosemite on Tuesday, the Alemany High girls’ basketball team struggled early before rallying for a victory.

The pattern continued against Bishop Montgomery in the Division III semifinals Thursday night, only this time the visiting Indians never recovered.

The top-seeded Knights, the defending state Division III champions, led virtually from start to finish in a 68-43 victory at Bishop Montgomery.

Bishop Montgomery (27-3) went ahead to stay, 11-9, on a basket by Andree Verhulst late in the first quarter and Alemany (24-6) didn’t threaten again.

The Knights led, 33-21, at the half and it only got worse for Alemany in the second half.

“They dominated the game in every aspect,” Alemany Coach Melissa Hearlihy said. “They dominated us offensively, they dominated us defensively. They were certainly more physical.”

That was especially the case under the basket, where Bishop Montgomery forwards Tashara Carter and Danielle Graham took control early.

Carter, who will attend USC next fall, finished with 15 points and 17 rebounds and Graham had nine points and seven rebounds. Jenica Hirata came through with nine points, all on second-half three-point baskets.

Not that Hearlihy expected anything different from the Knights.

“They’re returning state champions, so I knew they would come out hard,” she said. “But I would’ve liked to seen us come out a little better.”

Bishop Montgomery Coach Yvette Angel said Alemany played better than most of her team’s opponents have, particularly against the fast break.

“I thought Alemany had a pretty good game plan and we got a little frustrated at times,” Angle said.

Still, it was a struggle for Alemany most of the way. The Indians committed 21 turnovers and made only 15 of 41 shots and 10 of 26 free throws.

The only Alemany player in double figures was point guard Kelli Kobayashi with 13 points, including two three-point baskets. Dana Rios and Francine Bennette each had nine points.

All things considered, Hearlihy was pleased when looking back at the season.

“I’m ecstatic with what we’ve accomplished,” she said. “We had two starters on the bench with injuries and we just kept fighting and showed a lot of pride.”

The Indians have a young team, with three of five starters returning, including Kobayashi, a junior.

Bishop Montgomery will play Chula Vista Eastlake in the regional final Saturday at Cal State Fullerton.