KENTFIELD — Marin Catholic”s pressure defense shut down Lower Lake”s offense in the first half and the Wildcats beat the Trojans 58-29 in the opening round of the North Coast Section Division IV girls” basketball playoffs on Wednesday in Kentfield.
“It was 2-2 for the first three and a half minutes,” Lower Lake coach Jim Salmina said. “Then they went on a run.”
Marin Catholic, the No. 5 seed, led 14-4 after one quarter and 33-10 by halftime. The Wildcats stopped pressing in the second half and Lower Lake (18-11) was able to run its offense, according to Salmina.
“They”re just a better basketball team than we are across the board,” Salmina said. “They shoot the ball well and move the ball well. We”re not anywhere near where Marin Catholic is right now.”
Salmina said he hopes to move the Trojans in that direction over the next few seasons. In his first season with the team, the former longtime Kelseyville coach guided Lower Lake to a second-place finish in the North Central League I North, a winning overall record, and a playoff berth.
“Baby steps,” he said. “We need to keep improving. We want to get back here and the kids need to know what to expect. There is no way you can simulate this (playoffs). They have to see it for themselves. It was a good experience for them.”
Jonesha Beasley seemed to thrive in the playoff environment as she led the Trojans with 12 points. April White added 15 rebounds and six points.
“We came out and played as hard as we could,” Salmina said.
Marin Catholic hits the road Saturday to play No. 4 seed Piedmont in the quarterfinals. Piedmont beat Kelseyville 60-36 in first-round action.
