July 19, 2010

Big threesome powers team to victory

Three Stanford bigs powered their Golden State team to an 83-74 win over Bay City in San Francisco Women’s Pro-Am competition July 17 at Kezar Pavilion.

Though limited by four fouls, red-shirt sophomore center Sarah Boothe led the way with 18 points, along with five rebounds and a steal. Most of her points came from nifty shots under the basket. She also ran the floor well.

Right behind her in the scoring column were sophomore Mikaela Ruef and freshman Chiney Ogwumike with 17 each. Fresh off being named Gatorade Female Prep 
Athlete of the Year on July 14, Chiney made it a double-double with 10 rebounds plus a steal. She showed strong athleticism in getting to the basket.

Mikaela, who had her best game this summer, added six rebounds and two steals. The two forwards also had two 3-pointers each.

Also scoring in double figures was freshman guard Sara James with 12 points, including two 3’s, to go with four rebounds and one steal.

Fellow freshman guard Toni Kokenis had two points but showed her defensive prowess with six rebounds and two steals. All of these numbers are unofficial.

Sara, the only Cardinal to start, was stationed in the center circle for the opening tipoff, which she controlled. Chiney and Sarah joined her with 17:42 to go in the half and Golden State trailing 7-0. Sarah immediately scored the first points for Golden State, which began surging ahead. Most of that surge resulted from the gradual addition of Stanford players until all five were on the court at 11:04, but Sarah had to go to the bench at 10:00 when she picked up her second foul.

Golden State led 44-34 at the half. Bay City crept closer several times when the Stanford bigs were on the bench, but as soon as they returned, they took control.

It was fun to see 6’ 5” Sarah and 6’ 3” Chiney going against Cal’s 6’ 3” DeNesha Stallworth in the paint. Cal’s 5’ 7” Eliza Pierre tossed in two 3’s when Mikaela was late on defense. Eliza followed them up with cartwheels as she ran down the court. She was called for unsportsmanlike conduct the second time, but there was no penalty. One suspects that Cal head coach Joanne Boyle won’t let her keep that move in her repertoire.

As usual, there was a good turnout of vocal Stanford fans. The cheering section included Sara’s parents and the family dog, Sadie, a terrier mix that came from the SPCA about eight years ago. She was a hit with fans of all ages.

Chiney’s parents and two younger sisters also were in the crowd, as well as her older sister, junior forward Nneka Ogwumike. Nneka arrived with senior forward Kayla Pedersen and junior guard Lindy La Rocque.


Regular play in the recreational league ended with the 4-1 Golden State in first place even though two other teams also had 4-1 records. According to the league’s Web site, a point system was used to determine first place.

Therefore, Golden State won’t be back in action until the championship games at 2 p.m. Aug. 7 and 8. If a third game is needed, it will be at 2 p.m. Aug. 14. Admission to all games is free.

The games are played at Kezar Pavilion, 755 Stanyan St. at Waller at the east end of Golden Gate Park. Paid parking is available in an adjacent lot.

Nneka, Kayla and Lindy crack up over one of Mikaela's 3-pointers

Erika, Lindy and Olivia

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