Westlake gets redemption vs. Calabasas
Wednesday night brought together Calabasas and Westlake for a girls basketball game that not only could decide the Marmonte League title, but one that forced an emotional rematch from last season.
The Coyotes beat Westlake in late January to keep the Warriors from at least tying for a league title.
The Warriors redeemed themselves, scoring eight of the game's last 13 points for a 55-52 win on their home court.
Lia Hindelman hit a 3-pointer to open the scoring for Calabasas (6-10 overall, 1-1 in Marmonte League) in what was a back-and-forth first quarter. The period ended in a 14-14 tie after Erin Topacio hit a buzzer-beating three for the Coyotes.
The Warriors (8-6, 2-0) began to pull away in the second quarter in what was becoming an increasingly physical game with players grappling for loose balls and seizing rebounds. Hindelman hit a jumper early, but Mathis Dritz made a layup to tie the score again.
Calabasas got to the free-throw line on four occasions but struggled to capitalize on the opportunities. Westlake drew fouls as well, keeping the game from developing a rhythm for the majority of the quarter.
Makayla Velasquez drained a 3-pointer with 6:19 to go until halftime to give Westlake a 19-16 advantage and the Warriors held on to the lead. Topacio came up clutch again, making a three just heartbeats from the buzzer to close the gap to 28-24 heading into the break.
The momentum returned to Calabasas in the third quarter as the Tauro made four free throws to get the Coyotes back in the lead. Dritz made a free throw with 2:20 remaining, but Calabasas maintained a 36-34 lead.
A layup by Taylor Swanson gave Westlake an advantage in the final quarter, but Calabasas was able to work its way back. Emily Abramovitch sank a 3-pointer then made a layup to tie the score at 47-47.
Westlake surged in the final minute of play and went on to hold Calabasas at 55-52 for the last four seconds to win the game and stay unbeaten in Marmonte League play.