EOT Fall Gem State Classic: Cal Stars/NW Greyhounds

<strong>Final: Cal Stars 54 - NW Greyhounds 50</strong> <span style="font-weight: 400;">The Cal Stars had a bit of a share with a tough and resilient NW Greyhounds group who did not give up until the final whistle as they escaped with a 54 - 50 victory over the formidable squad from Washington.  The Greyhounds were led by Syracuse commit Juliana Walker - the sharp shooting guard who releases without warning.  Walker sank an incredible seven three-pointers in the game for a game high 23 points as most of her points came alongside the arc.  [player_tooltip player_id="36790" first="Jennah" last="Isai"] had a double double of 10 points and 11 rebounds and provided some tough defense throughout the course of the game as Makena Mastora helped out with a 12 point effort of her own.</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">The game began on a Mastora three-pointer followed by another Mastora contribution - this time in the form of a steal and lay-up.  Roden had a nice pass in transition to [player_tooltip player_id="163093" first="Talana" last="Lepolo"].  The first half would result in a quick back-and-forth trade between the two teams as they danced around one another.  Juliana Walker sinked three three-pointers in the first half as she was an absolute spark plug for the Greyhounds.  Lepolo had a coast to coast score followed by a [player_tooltip player_id="36790" first="Jennah" last="Isai"] steal and tear-drop.  Isai had a nice reverse lay-up facing away from the basket followed by a Lepolo to Mastora find in the corner.  The Stars pulled away from the Greyhounds as at halftime they led 27 - 21.</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">In the second half, it was a little of a stalemate at times as the pacing of the game was interrupted with a large amount of fouls - ending with trips to the line for the Stars.  To start off the half, Mastora found Roden alongside the arc followed by a Lepolo find to a teammate in transition.  Isai would find Roden for another three.  This began a fouling frenzy as the Stars took turns shooting free throws while the Greyhounds hurried and tried to find ways to score - as Walker got hot again as she made four three’s in the second half.  With five minutes to go, the score was 44 - 35 in favor of the Stars.  The lead later became 50 - 44 with three minutes left and 54 - 45 with under a minute to go, but the Greyhounds showed how quickly they can get points up on the board with a lay-up and a Walker steal and thrust in the air that ended with a made three.  Greyhounds ultimately ran out of time as the Stars took this one 54 - 50.</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Natalie Pasco 2022 5’10" SG Cal Stars/San Ramon Valley HS</strong> - Pasco is a skilled guard who has perimeter skills beyond her age- particularly her refined mid-range.  She made a difference as a confident scorer who can get the job done when her number is called.  Contributed 4 points and 1 rebound for the Cal Stars.</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Makena Mastora 2021 5’11" SG Cal Stars/St Joseph Notre Dame HS</strong> - Mastora provided for some huge moments offensively as she sank some daggers and had some nice trips down the floor in transition.  The St Mary’s signee is a defensive specialist who is incredibly efficient with her scoring merits when the ball is in her hands.  Finished with 12 points, 1 assist, and 1 steal for the Cal Stars.</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="36790" first="Jennah" last="Isai"] 2022 5’11" SF Cal Stars/Valley Vista HS</strong> - Isai was incredibly aggressive as a two-way player for the Stars, as she is constantly poking at the ball and is a physical defender with size and discipline.  Offensively, she can score from all three levels, particularly as a rebounder who finishes well at the rim.  Finished with 10 points, 11 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 blocks, and 2 steals for the Stars.</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="163093" first="Talana" last="Lepolo"] 2022 5’7" PG Cal Stars/St Joseph Notre Dame HS</strong> - Lepolo is the crisp, poised floor general whose game can be noticed by her significant stat line in which she affects the game in all aspects.  She was finding teammates in scoring position from the tip-off as she had 4 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals for the Stars.  </span> <span style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="158475" first="Audrey" last="Roden"] 2021 5’9" SG Cal Stars/West Linn HS</strong> - Roden had a pair of three-pointers as well as had a number of huge stops for the Stars as she is an aggressive defender who is relentless in her goal of stopping the opposition.  She has an incredible motor which she uses to flock on her opposition defensively in order to come up with the ball.  Contributed 8 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 blocks, and 4 steals.</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="171249" first="Amanda" last="Muse"] 2022 6’4" C Cal Stars/Heritage HS</strong> - Muse is a forward who has incredible length and discipline as the forward is very much so a two- way skilled player with discipline.  She scores well in transition with her extraordinary stride and finishing skills.  Defensively she is a wall with her wingspan and ability to protect the rim.  Contributed 5 points, 2 rebounds, 2 blocks, and 1 steal.</span>