RHP Girls Basketball Defeats Bishop Montgomery 47-37 in Nonleague Clash

BREAKING: Rolling Hills Prep (RHP) secured a crucial 47-37 nonleague victory over Bishop Montgomery in Torrance on December 5, 2023. The Huskies overcame shooting struggles to pull away in the fourth quarter, showcasing their depth and experience.

RHP’s win comes as they continue to build momentum, now boasting a record of 5-2 after winning four of their last five games. The team displayed impressive teamwork, with four players reaching double figures in scoring. Guard Leah Sasaki led the charge with a game-high 13 points, supported by Brooklyn Hall and Mia Fernandez with 12 points each, while Regan Enright added 10 points.

The victory is particularly significant for RHP, who qualified for the CIF State Southern California Regionals last season. Coach Moniquee Alexander praised her team for their resilience, stating, “The biggest thing I always tell the girls is that we’re a family and we take care of each other.” Despite a shaky start and a trimmed lead, the Huskies maintained composure to close out the game.

Bishop Montgomery, now at 3-7, struggled without two key starters. The Knights faced a mounting challenge as they fell behind early, calling a timeout when trailing 34-24 late in the third quarter. Although they attempted a comeback, hitting three consecutive baskets, they soon went cold, missing 13 shots in a row, significantly impacting their chances of victory.

Coach Rheina Ale expressed frustration with her team’s defensive performance, noting, “I haven’t seen them play that bad defensively. We couldn’t keep them outside of the paint.” The Knights’ top scorer, G’Layah Salazar, managed to contribute only 12 points, while Kali Pascual added 9 points.

RHP maintained their lead into the fourth, with a critical three-pointer from Enright late in the third quarter to push the advantage to 39-30. Enright’s scoring surge helped solidify RHP’s control of the game, demonstrating her resilience as noted by Coach Alexander. “The kid is literally, like, the most resilient kid in South Bay,” she remarked.

The Knights have been struggling with the absence of their lone returning starter, Sophia Dignadice, who is currently with the Philippines national team. Dignadice is expected to return on December 21, along with transfer guard Denvur Ramirez, who is also awaiting the end of her sit-out period. Coach Ale emphasized the importance of this learning phase for her players, especially with three freshmen on the court during critical moments.

This victory positions RHP favorably as they prepare for upcoming challenges, while Bishop Montgomery faces urgent adjustments in their strategy and player roles. As both teams navigate their seasons, the implications of this matchup resonate deeply within the South Bay basketball community.

Fans and followers are encouraged to stay tuned for further developments as both teams aim to improve their standings in the coming weeks.