LOWER LAKE >> While Middletown and Kelseyville have established themselves as the early frontrunners in the North Central League I varsity girls’ basketball race with solid starts, a third Lake County team figures to make this year’s race even more exciting.
Middletown, the defending NCL I champion, and Kelseyville, last year’s runner-up, are tied atop the standings at 3-0 going into Friday’s round of games, just one game ahead of a Lower Lake squad loaded with underclassmen – much like Kelseyville.
Lower Lake’s lone league loss to date is a 41-33 setback to Middletown on the Mustangs’ home floor in the league opener for both teams. Lower Lake trailed just 24-23 midway through the third quarter when it lost one of its top players and leading scorers on the season, sophomore point guard Samanta Caires, to a concussion. She has missed each of the Trojans’ last three games although Lower Lake has gone 2-1 in her absence. Lower Lake coach Bryce Brin said he isn’t sure when she’ll return although she did visit the doctor on Wednesday.
While the Trojans aren’t as strong a team without Caires, they still have considerable firepower, led by sophomore guard Aleia Milano (14.7 points-per-game average). They’ll get a chance to prove they belong with the league’s other top teams on Friday when they host Kelseyville (3-0, 12-3), the first of two league meetings between the two schools. Lower Lake brings a 10-5 overall mark into the game under its first-year coach.
One thing not lacking at either school is underclassmen talent. Both teams start only one senior. In fact, there are only three seniors on their combined rosters, which mean these teams are set for future seasons.
Kelseyville’s top three scorers are juniors Riley Goff (15.0) and Alma Perez (12.3) and freshman Payton Conrad (11.5). Lower Lake’s top three are Milano, Caires (12.8) and senior Ashlynn Mock (8.7).
Cloverdale, long the dominant team in the NCL I and the league champion only two years ago, can’t be overlooked in the 2016 race although the Eagles already have dropped games to Middletown and Kelseyville. Clear Lake and Fort Bragg are off to 1-2 starts along with Cloverdale. If they plan on being serious participants in this year’s race, they’ll have to get going soon.
The junior varsity game that opens Friday’s action at Lower Lake matches two 3-0 teams in the league standings.
