LOWER LAKE — Certain games can define seasons, such as Lower Lake”s 59-48 victory over the high-scoring and high-pressure Cloverdale Eagles on Friday night in Lower Lake.
“What a great game,” Lower Lake coach Jim Salmina said of the North Central League I interlock varsity girls” contest. “That”s probably one of the biggest wins I”ve had at any point in my career. We had a lot of effort out there tonight. We left it all on the floor.”
Jonesha Beasley picked a perfect time to play her best game as she scored a season-high 20 points to spark a Lower Lake offense that had four players finish in double figures — Veronica Wilder added 14, including her 900th career point, April White had 11 points and 14 rebounds, and Amber Daniels chipped in with 10 points.
“She”s capable of doing that every game,” Salmina said of Beasley. “She”s finally got her priorities straight.”
Morgan Carlson”s 19 points sparked the Eagles (12-5) and Whitney Edens added 15.
“You look at the schools they”ve lost to this season, those are all good teams,” Salmina said. “Cloverdale is the real deal. I was wondering how we were going to stay with them, but the girls played great from the start. We took an early lead and never looked back.”
The Trojans led 12-8 after one quarter, 32-25 at halftime and 46-39 entering the final period.
“Their press didn”t affect us,” Salmina said.
Beasley had eight rebounds and five steals to go along with her season-best point total. Daniels also had six rebounds and two steals.
“April White played outstanding,” Salmina said. “This was a big one for us.”
Lower Lake, now 10-7 overall, opens its NCL I North schedule Tuesday at home against the Fort Bragg Timberwolves.
Lower Lake also beat Cloverdale in the junior varsity game, 34-33. The Lower Lake JVs improved to 15-2.
