Central Valley Took Control Early and Never Looked Back

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Central Valley vs Cheney</h2>   Context: Cheney entered searching for its first conference win, while Central Valley looked to protect a top-three position in the GSL 3A standings.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">What Stood Out</h2>   Central Valley established control early and never relinquished it. Cheney did not score until under a minute remained in the first quarter, as Central Valley's pressure and pace disrupted any early offensive rhythm. Both teams rotated fresh legs throughout the opening quarter, which kept the tempo high, but it was Central Valley that capitalized. By halftime, the Bears had stretched the lead to 30–7, consistently converting stops into points. The third quarter slowed slightly, but Central Valley remained firmly in command, executing cleanly and limiting mistakes. Cheney showed flashes of the team it is working toward becoming, but Central Valley's advantage was apparent from the opening stretch and carried through the final horn in a 49–21 win.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Who Stood Out</h2>    Carlson brought energy every time she stepped on the floor. As a freshman, she showed a willingness to do the work that does not always show up in the stat sheet. She was active on the defensive glass, ran the floor in transition, and consistently played with pace. She did not headline any statistical category, but her hustle left a clear mark on the flow of the game.     Patshkowski continues to look like the foundational piece of Central Valley's offense. She brought the ball down the floor with ease and remained a scoring threat anywhere in the half court. Her comfort level and control helped Central Valley dictate tempo and avoid extended scoring droughts.     Henry delivered a big night in a lower-scoring game for the Bears. She finished with 23 points, shooting 9 of 15 from the field and 5 of 6 from the free throw line. When Central Valley needed separation, she provided it. Her efficiency stood out and helped turn early control into a decisive margin.     Zeisler remains the engine of Cheney's offense. Much of her work came from the high post, where she showed comfort going either direction. She consistently looked to create advantages and did a good job getting herself to the free throw line. Even in a difficult night for the offense, her role was clear.     Richards provided stability in the backcourt. She handled the ball well, showed confidence as a shooter, and attacked the rim with purpose. Her ability to drive hard and stay aggressive makes her a staple within Cheney's offensive structure, particularly as the team continues to search for rhythm.    Central Valley's depth, pace, and execution were evident from the opening quarter. They controlled the game without needing to force the issue and leaned on multiple contributors to build and maintain the lead. Cheney showed moments of growth and competitiveness, but consistency and offensive flow remain works in progress. For Central Valley, this performance reinforced why they remain firmly in the top tier of the GSL 3A picture.