Faith Christian rolls New Life, headed to semis
Talk to anyone involved with Faith Christian High's girls basketball team this season and the three same words always seem to come to the forefront — teamwork, togetherness and family.
But for the Lions, these are not just simply words.
Every member of the team has bought into what coach Robert Hendricks is preaching this year, and as a result, Faith Christian is in the midst of the best season in school history.
The Lions' cohesiveness was on full display on Tuesday night as they outrebounded and outhustled New Life Christian from start to finish to pick up a 69-25 victory in the opening round of the Sac-Joaquin Section Division VI playoffs at C.A. Summy Gymnasium in Yuba City.
It was a school-record tying 17th win of the season for No. 4-seeded Faith Christian, which will play at top-seeded Victory Christian (Carmichael) in Thursday night's semifinals.
"It's been a great year and it's all working for us right now. The kids are working hard and I'm proud of them," Hendricks said. "These girls are a pleasure to coach. They pick each other up and they have a lot of fun."
The Lions (17-6) wasted little time jumping on the No. 5 Crusaders (10-12) as sophomore Jessie Jimenez exploded for 10 points in the opening period to help Faith Christian take a 20-10 lead at the end of the first quarter.
Jimenez continued her hot shooting stroke in the second period by scoring another nine points and the Lions ran into the locker room with a comfortable 34-16 lead.
Faith Christian's height was the key in the first half as the Lions outrebounded the Crusaders 28-15, including 14 offensive rebounds that led to 16 second-chance points.
"We knew coming in they had a lot more height than us, so we had our hands full," New Life coach Ron Strickland said. "We've struggled all year against teams with height and tonight we just couldn't get anything to fall."
Jimenez went on to finish with a game-high 30 points and came away with five steals, while senior Courtney Taylor added 17 points and 17 rebounds for the Lions. Senior Alex Arnold had 10 points and dished out nine assists and sophomore Shon Ritchie pulled down 10 rebounds in the victory.
Elicia Villafranco led New Life with 13 points, while Katrina Cobb added six.
"Our team goal was to do the best we can this year. There was really no talk of playoffs until recently. We just wanted to take it one game at a time until we got here," Arnold said. "It's like a family. We're playing well as a team right now, so we've got to keep at it."
Her words were echoed by Hendricks.
"I know it's an old saying, but we're just taking it one game at a time," he said. "That's how we look at it and the kids have bought into it."
Now, with just one more victory, the Lions will be playing for the section championship.
"It's all about teamwork," Jimenez added. "As long as we work together in the next round, we'll be OK."
