Matchups against teams like Corona Centennial and Etiwanda are usually reserved for the state playoffs but here were those teams playing non-league games at Bonita Vista High School over last weekend.
And not against each other but against the Lady Barons.
“To have those teams drive two hours to come down and play us, that shows we have their respect,” BVHS head coach Tristan Lamb said.
The Lady Barons have earned their share of respect from San Diego Section opponents as well after posting a 24-5 record and runner-up finish in last year’s San Diego Section Open Division championship game.
Bonita Vista dropped both high profile contests to the out-of-town visitors – 69-47 to Centennial on Saturday and 74-40 to Etiwanda on Sunday. Yes, Sunday.
Because of the strain the COVID-19 pandemic has put on scheduling, the section has allowed high school games to be played on Sunday for the first time.
Centennial entered the matchup against Bonita Vista ranked eighth in the state. Etiwanda entered Sunday’s game ranked second in the nation.
The Ladfy Barons managed to keep the score close through halftime of both matchups. The hosts trailed Centennial, 28-23, at the half and were within seven points at 32-25 at the half against Etiwanda.
Bonita Vista just didn’t have the speed, rebounding or stamina to stay in the contests.
To be that close, however, with just seven players on the roster has to be a compliment to what talent Lamb has assembled on his team this season.
“We don’t have the depth, but we play hard,” the BVHS coach said. “We were able to stay close for a half. They had a lot more players and more depth. They’re definitely talented teams but we were able to compete with them.”
Lamb is asking his team to be competitive against whichever opponent it plays.
“We want to compete hard for a shot to get to the finals,” Lamb said. “Our goals every year are to win league, win CIF and make the state playoffs. We’re No. 7 in the county. We have a lot of talent. We just want to compete and play hard. That’s all a coach can ask from his team.”
Top performers on this year’s BVHS team include sophomore Mahlliya Wilson, junior Alyssa Alvarado and junior Kaylyn Buchanon-Lamb.
Wilson leads the team with a 20.5 per game scoring average while Alvarado ranks second at 14.3 ppg. Buchanon-Lamb ranks third with a 9.9 scoring average.
Buchanon-Lamb tops the team with 7.8 rebounds per game, followed closely by Wilson with 7.6 rebounds per game. Buchanon-Lamb also leads the team with 4.7 assists per game and 3.6 steals per game.
Wilson led Bonita Vista with 17 points against Etiwanda while Buchanon-Lamb dropped in 13 points.
Wilson had 15 points against Centennial while Buchanon-Lamb had 13 points.
Freshman Jamiya Valenciano is the team’s impact newcomer. She ranks in the middle of the statistical column teamwise.
“She took on a large role as a freshman and proved she had the confidence do it,” Lamb said
Bonita Vista jumped right back into Mesa League play on Tuesday by defeating visiting Mater Dei Catholic, 70-43, and topping Olympian, 74-27, on Wednesday. The Lady Barons play a third game this week Friday at Otay Ranch and return to the court with three games the following week as teams strive to complete a full league schedule.
Bonita Vista improved to 6-0 in league play, 13-8 overall, following the wins against the Lady Crusaders (1-4 in league, 6-10 overall) and Lady Eagles (2-3, 10-11).
Otay Ranch is 3-2 in league, 13-4 overall, following Wednesday’s 59-46 upset loss at Mater Dei Catholic . The Lady Mustangs are tied in the standings with Eastlake (3-2 in league, 10-9 overall).
