by James Tate
The Lady Falcons won their first playoff game since 2013 with a 58-42 win over the Skyline Eagles. Ranked number nine in the 5A Max Preps RPI rankings, the Lady Falcons earned a first-round playoff win will have them travel to face the Brighton Bengals in the second round. The Bengals are ranked number eight and had a bye in the first round.
Junior guard Xiyah Yarbrough scored 20 points to lead the Lady Falcons. The defense was essential for the Falcons, as their relentless pressure kept the Eagles off balance from the opening tip.
First half
The Eagles started the game by hitting their opening shot, a three-point basket by senior guard Lauren Johnson. The Lady Falcons would quickly answer by scoring the following eight points. Sophomore guard Jayla Kearns made two baskets, Izzy Wyaskett made a short jumper, and Yarbrough made two free throws for the Lady Falcons. With 3:56 on the clock in the first quarter, the Lady Falcons held an 8-3 lead.
Yarbrough would pick up her second personal foul of the quarter and exit the game at 3:30. The Eagles would end the quarter on a 7-3 run and cut the lead to 11-10 in favor of the Lady Falcons. Mia Johnson, Cami Groberg, and Lauren Johnson would score for the Eagles to close the quarter. Lady Falcons sophomore guard Destini Gomez made a last-second three-point basket to end the scoring in the first quarter.
The second quarter saw Yarbrough return, and the Lady Falcons put pressure on defense and forced the Eagles into turnovers. The Lady Falcons would outscore the Eagles 12-7 in the quarter and take a 23-17 lead into halftime.
Second half
The first two minutes of the third quarter saw the Lady Falcons score seven points and lead 30-18. Lady Falcons freshman guard Ciara De La O made a three-point basket, and Yarbrough made a layup and two free throws. With 5:37 on the clock, Kearns made a layup to give the Lady Falcons a 32-18 lead. Eagles junior Leelu Bare and Lauren Johnson made layups to make the score 32-22 with 4:20 in the third quarter. The Lady Falcons would end the quarter with a three-point basket by Wyaskett and the Lady Falcons ahead 41-25.
The Lady Falcons and Yarbrough dominated the final quarter. Yarbrough scored 10 points in the quarter with a three-point basket, a layup, and free throws. The highlight of the final period was Wyaskett converting a four-point play, making a three-point basket while being fouled and making the free throw. The Eagles would play the Lady Falcons even in the quarter, as both teams scored 17 points. Groberg led the Eagles with nine points in the quarter. Yarbrough made the final basket of the game to give the Lady Falcons the win.
Outstanding performances
Yarbrough led all scorers with 20 points. Wyaskett scored 13 points, had seven assists, and eight steals. Kearns added 11 points and four rebounds for the Lady Falcons. Team defense was vital for the Lady Falcons as they made 15 steals in the game.
Groberg led the Eagles with 14 points, and Lauren Johnson finished with 10.
photo courtesy James Tate
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