ROHNERT PARK >> Natalie Karlsson broke loose for 29 points and backup center Shably Navarro gave the Upper Lake Cougars some quality minutes off the bench in a 52-31 road win over Technology, the North Central League II and regular-season finale for both of these varsity girls’ basketball teams on Thursday night in Rohnert Park.
Upper Lake (9-5 league, 14-12 overall) assured itself of a third straight winning season under head coach Mike Smith with the victory. Smith said the Cougars will apply for an at-large berth in the North Coast Section Division V playoffs. The bracket will be released Sunday.
“We’re definitely going to apply,” Smith said. “The girls are excited and we’ll promote some JV girls so we have 10 or 11 players going in.”
It’s also likely the Cougars will be playing somewhere in the Bay Area in the opening round, according to Smith, who said it all depends where his team is seeded in the field.
Karlsson also had six steals and five assists against Technology. Kayla Nevarez added seven points.
Navarro came off the bench to spell starting center Brenna Sanchez and did a commendable job, according to Smith.
“She provided a definite spark,” Smith said. “She had a steal and a basket and also pulled down some rebounds. It’s probably the best game of her career.”
Sanchez finished with four points and nine rebounds.
