By Mike Cohen
Sports Editor
George Laase
Sports Correspondent
Winner of 14 consecutive Ocean League contests, the Culver City High School girls varsity basketball team is on a quest for 20.
“If we play more consistently, we could get to 20 straight Ocean League wins,” said head coach Julian Anderson.
“They’re paying attention to details. Sharing the ball results in good outcomes,” Anderson added after the Lady Centaurs ripped Inglewood on Jan. 16 at Culver City, 68-39, and beat visiting Hawthorne, 50 – 39 on Jan 18. Hawthorne was a pre-league pick by the Daily Breeze.
Following a horrid first half, hitting nine of 33 shot attempts, team captain Kelsey Ueda said, “We kept our composure. We played our own running tempo and talked it up on defense.”
“We adjusted in the second half and pushed the ball more, controlling the tempo and game. If we do that, no one in league can keep us with us. We have the potential to beat everyone,” said senior guard Taylor Tanita.
The Lady Centaurs traveled to Beverly Hills on Jan. 23 and host Morningside Friday, Jan. 25 at 6 p.m. in its quest for a consecutive league crown. Santa Monica comes to Culver City on Wednesday, Jan 30.
Culver City (14-4 overall, 4-0 in league) topped Lake Washington (Kirkland, Wash) in the Nike Tournament of Champions in Phoenix, 56-45, Jan. 3, to start a streak of wins against league and non-league opponents. They beat West Torrance High School, 50-47, edged host Notre Dame Academy (Los Angeles), 46 – 44, throttled the Lady Monarchs at Morningside, 50 – 17, and defeated host Santa Monica High School, 64-46.
JUMPER: Center Shannon Yahn shoots between defenders for the Lady Centaurs, who are aiming to win back-to-back Ocean League championships.
Photo by George Laase
Learning experience for players, coach in competitive league
By Mike Cohen
Sports Editor
George Laase
Sports Correspondent
The Culver City High School boys basketball team received a victory against Hawthorne on Jan. 18 when the Cougars forfeited the Ocean League game because they could not field a team after suspending players involved in a fight recently against Morningside High School.
The league win was welcome after two opening season losses on the road and a 78-63 setback by a taller, athletic and deep Inglewood High School, at Culver City on Jan 16.
The Centaurs played well against the Sentinels, according to rookie head coach Adam Eskridge.
“We were more aggressive, taking advantage of how Inglewood’s defense played us. We were moving our feet better and reading what the Sentinels were doing,” said Eskridge.
The team, as like their coach, is picking up experience.
“What I’m learning is the difference between winning and losing is razor thin. Only two players on our squad have legitimate varsity experience. They are learning that they have to be ready to go with every possession,” said Eskridge.
Culver City (5-13 overall and 1-3 in league) stayed close in the first half with back door cuts for layups and energy on defense. The Centaurs battled the Sentinels for every rebound, putting them behind 31-27 at half time.
In the third quarter, Sentinel Charlie Lockwood hit three 3 pointers as Inglewood expanded its lead to 55-45. Inglewood dominated the boards 13 to 2 in the fourth quarter to pull away.
Owen Furuta had three assists and four steals for Culver City. Wes Dixon pulled down six rebounds. J.R. Montgomery contributed with three assists and three steals.
The Centaurs played LACES on Jan. 21 in a Martin Luther King Day showdown at Redondo High School. They will host Morningside in a rematch of league opener on Friday, Jan 25. The Monarchs won, 46-40, in their first go-round.
“Once we connect and mesh as a team, we will become great,” said Edwards.
