Mira Costa, Redondo Union girls basketball teams look to rebound in first of two rivalry games
Camille Mills and the Mira Costa Mustangs travel to take on rival Redondo Union Friday at 6 p.m. Photo
The opening of the Bay League season didn’t go as planned for Mira Costa and Redondo Union’s girls basketball teams as they prepare to square off in the first of two meetings Friday at 6 p.m. at Redondo.
Both teams entered the week ranked in the top ten in CIF Southern Section Division 2AA but will have to play catch up after dropping their first league games, adding to the importance of the contest between the cross-town rivals.
Redondo (10-6, 0-1) was ranked No. 6 in the division, but couldn’t hold off a late rally by visiting Peninsula which walked away with a 49-46 victory.
Redondo led Peninsula for most of the game, but successful free throws by Hannah Bruno and Kylie Au in the final minute gave the Panthers the win. Bruno had 19 points and 11 rebounds to lead Peninsula (12-5, 1-0) which is ranked No. 11 in Division 1A.
The Sea Hawks were led by Meghan Peneueta’s 13 points. Micaela Enriquez contributed 12 points.
Redondo was coming off a strong non-league season and an impressive 64-53 win over Bishop Amat, the No. 10 team in Division 1AA. Peneueta scored a game-high 21 points and grabbed 10 rebounds against Bishop Amat and Nao Shiota added 13 points and Tatiana Maimot recorded 13 points and eight rebounds in a reserve role.
“We had a very successful preseason,” Redondo head coach Marcelo Enriquez said. “We played a very tough schedule and every one of our losses was to a team that is ranked in the top 5 of their division. I’m expecting another typical rival game against Mira Costa. They have a good team with well skilled players.”
Mira Costa (11-7, 0-1) is ranked No. 9 in Division 2AA but was no match for West Torrance. The visiting Warriors came away with a 57-43 win, building a 24-point lead before the Mustangs went on a late 12-2 run.
West (19-2, 1-0) is tied for the top spot in Division 2A and kept Mira Costa’s Camille Mills in check.
Mills was limited to 10 points while forced into more ball handling duties with the absence of point guard Keliani Ikehara who is nursing strained ligaments in her hand. Allison Bartek added eight points for the Mustangs.