Buena Wins Fifth Consecutive Simi Valley Tournament Title

Even though the Simi Valley girls basketball tournament interrupts the holiday break, Buena High hardly seems to mind.

Of course, five consecutive tournament titles make the time lost to vacation a little more bearable. Buena wrapped up yet another title Saturday with an 87-33 drubbing of Simi Valley.

“Buena is a much better team than us,” Simi Valley Coach Dave Murphy said. “They’re just a great defensive team.”

Although tournament MVP Mary Klemm was not in top form, she did contribute to a defense that forced Simi Valley into 30 turnovers.

Klemm managed only five points, but five other Buena players scored in double figures. Mindy Husky had a game-high 16 points, Joannie Weinerth 15, Stephanie Rainwater 14, Gia Giordano 13 and Marci Ewin 10 for the Bulldogs (10-0).

Buena used a pressing defense to hold Simi Valley scoreless for the first six minutes of the first and third quarters. Jill Schroeder scored baskets in each of those quarters to keep Simi Valley from being shut out.

Jeri Jacobs and Keira Irwin each scored eight points to lead Simi Valley (6-6).

“It’s been a few years since we’ve been in the finals, so it’s been real enjoyable,” Murphy said. “I’m very happy with our effort despite the loss.”

Newbury Park 66, Dos Pueblos 58--Newbury Park’s pressing defense forced numerous turnovers and helped the Panthers outscore the Chargers, 24-11, in the third period of the third-place game. Chris Singer scored 17 points and teammate Kristi Gellenbeck added 16 for Newbury Park (8-2).

Kim Bluitt scored a game-high 19 points for Dos Pueblos (5-5).

Santa Clara 46, Ventura 44--Gina Duarte’s 12-foot jump shot with 35 seconds left gave Santa Clara a 45-44 lead in the fifth-place game. Tami Adkins hit the front end of a one-and-one with 17 seconds left to seal the victory.

Adkins scored 15 points and guard Kris Zeits added 13 to lead Santa Clara (6-5). Karry Wagoner led all scorers with 18 points for Ventura (5-4).

Royal 49, La Reina 38--Forward Blanca Escobar led Royal (4-4) in the seventh-place game with 19 points, including 15 of 20 free throws. Amy Alarian scored 12 points for La Reina (3-5).

Arroyo Grande 61, Burbank 39--Arroyo Grande, led by Stephanie Gurican’s 21 points, coasted to the consolation championship. Heather Norman added 18 points for Arroyo Grande (4-2).

Burbank (2-4) was led by guard Jennifer Gomez with 18 points and center Christine Rumfoca added 13.