PITTSBURG — After the shock of Valley High School’s size and physical play wore off around the end of the first quarter, the Clear Lake Cardinals dominated the Vikings 52-35 in non-league varsity girls basketball action on Saturday afternoon at Pittsburg.
The Cardinals improved to 6-4 with their third straight victory, one during which they trailed 11-10 after the opening period.
“They were bigger, stronger and more athletic than us,” Clear Lake head coach Phil Psalmonds said of the Vikings. “We were a little intimidated at first.”
But not for long, according to Psalmonds, who watched the Cardinals responded with a 18-8 second quarter that put them in front to stay. They spent the rest of the game adding to their lead.
“We started playing some basketball and we learned we were more skilled than they were,” Psalmonds said. “A case of small, skilled basketball players beating a bigger, stronger team.”
Joy Ingalls led the way with 17 points although Sierra Bruch (eight points) was named Clear Lake’s player of the game, according to Psalmonds.
“Sierra had a lot of assists and played great defense,” Psalmonds said. “Joy had a great game.”
Hailee Bussard also scored eight points for the Cardinals while Rylee Mix and Shaelyn McIntire each had six. Sydney Howe had five.
Psalmonds said his squad is looking forward to its upcoming North Central League I schedule after opening league play with a win Friday in St. Helena.
“We have a lot of stuff we can throw at people,” Psalmonds said.
Clear Lake is home Tuesday night to face Willits. Junior varsity action tips off at 5:30 p.m.
