Early show: Prosser wins matchup of league favorites
December 10, 2008 by YH-R Sports
PROSSER — Tamara Jones picked up Tuesday night where she left off last March, leading Prosser’s girls basketball team to a big victory.
Prosser's Taylor Flores and Tayshia Hunt defend West Valley's Erin Richardson in the first half at the Mustang gym Tuesday, December 9, 2008. (KRIS HOLLAND/Yakima Herald-Republic)
The 5-foot-10 sophomore scored nine of her game-high 21 points in a pivotal fourth quarter to spark the Mustangs to a 52-47 win over West Valley in a preseason clash of league favorites.
The game was tied 36-36 after three quarters and was still up for grabs heading into the final minute before Helen Petersen and Lacie French made four straight free throws in the final 20 seconds.
“I couldn’t be happier with how hard the kids played,” said Prosser’s Mark Little in his first game back to a program he coached through 1997. “West Valley is a really good-looking team and we held our own. Tamara made some big shots and we kept our cool at the end with those free throws.”
In her last game, Jones capped her freshman season by scoring 22 points in a win over Elma that earned the Mustangs third place in the Class 2A state tournament. Coming off that 20-win season, Prosser is favored in the upcoming CWAC campaign.
French, a three-year starter, chipped in nine points and made Prosser’s lone 3-pointer.
West Valley had three players score in double figures — Katelin Sillery (16), Erin Richardson (12) and Haley Curtis (11). Richardson also pulled down 14 rebounds.
Prosser finished 15 of 22 from the foul line while West Valley made 12 of 19.
West Valley's Katelin Sillery goes to the hoop against Prosser defenders in the first half at the Mustang gym Tuesday, December 9, 2008. (KRIS HOLLAND/Yakima Herald-Republic)
“We fouled way too much too early,” said WV coach Greg Oldham. “It was back and forth all the way until they got a little gap on us to start the fourth quarter.”
The Mustangs open CWAC play on Friday at home against Othello while West Valley visits Davis for a non-leaguer. The Rams will play their home opener on Saturday against East Valley.
WEST VALLEY — Herzog 0, Larson 0, Martinez 5, Curry 0, Bealer 3, Haley Curtis 11, Katelin Sillery 16, Erin Richardson 12, Toner 0, Winkfield 0.
PROSSER — Wilson 0, French 9, Hunt 4, Danille Morrow 2, Dana Morrow 2, Petersen 2, Evans 2, Flores 8, Tamara Jones 21.
West Valley 15 15 6 11 — 47
Prosser 13 14 9 16 — 52
Highlights: Richardson (WV) 14 rebs, Sillery (WV) 9 rebs, Curtis (WV) 4 steals
Filed under All, Basketball (Girls), Preps
