The Yucca Valley High School Lady Trojans basketball team advanced to the CIF Division 3AA semifinals with a 56-47 quarterfinal win at Oak Hills High School Saturday night (February 19).
The Lady Trojans came out hot in the first half jumping out to a 31-17 lead and led 47-33 to begin the fourth quarter. The Oak Hills Bulldogs, however, got hot in the final quarter hitting 4 three-point baskets on their way to tying the game 47-47 with three minutes remaining in the game.
Junior Malia Ulery was able to quiet the home crowd with a left-handed running shot to give the Lady Trojans a 49-47 with 2:17 minutes left. After two defensive stops the Bulldogs were forced into fouling and Ulery, sophomore Cadence Tarrant and senior Heather Hiday were able to close out the game going 7 for 10 at the free-throw line.
Ulery was the games leading scorer with 20 points including going 4 for 4 from the free-throw line down the stretch to seal the win. Sophomore Tarrant shook off early foul trouble to post 17 points. Senior Maliah Rodriguez knocked down four 3 point baskets on her way to netting 14 points and senior Hiday grabbed some critical rebounds along with scoring 5 points.
With the win, the team qualified for the CIF State playoffs which will begin after the current CIF Southern Section playoffs. On Wednesday (February 23), the Lady Trojans will host Cerritos High School in a Division 3AA semifinal game. Game time and ticket info will be posted as soon as information is released.
