DIVISION III-A GIRLS’ BASKETBALL : Glenn Quickly Finds Estancia Is No Place Like Home in Rout

Norwalk Glenn girls’ basketball Coach Richard Drake feared an ambush when his fourth-seeded team had to give up its home court advantage and travel to Estancia for a Division III-A playoff game Wednesday night.

But even he was not ready for the beating administered by Estancia, fourth-place finisher in the Pacific Coast League, which rolled to a 66-23 victory.

“They were ranked first in the division early in the season and I feel we were seeded because of our league performance,” said Drake, whose team lost its chance to play host to the game because of a conflict with a Southern Section wrestling event at Glenn and the inability to find an adequate neutral site.

Estancia (17-6), which advances to play Whittier Pioneer, a 66-37 winner over Rancho Alamitos, led, 37-10, at the half and won its fifth consecutive game.

Sophomore reserve Jennifer McCartin enjoyed her best half of the season, scoring 13 in the first 16 minutes.

“We talked to teams that have played them and felt that if we pressured them we would have a chance,” Estancia Coach Russ Davis said.

The press was effective. Glenn guard Angelina Baca, highly regarded among college scouts, was limited to three points in the first half and Glenn was held to seven field goals in the game.

The Estancia offense, ineffective from outside, had a field day inside.

Cyndi Richards scored 17 and McCartin 15 as Estancia had its second-highest point total of the season.

“Our girls were really pumped up, especially since we didn’t even know we would be in the playoffs until Monday,” said Davis. “We played a tough schedule in preparation for playoff competition and we only lost to four teams this year--State No. 1 Woodbridge, Marina, University and Laguna Hills.

“Going from uncertainty about even getting into the playoffs to receiving the home court advantage was an added bonus.”

Estancia broke open the game with a 21-3 run to take a 24-5 lead midway through the second quarter. After three quarters, Estancia led, 55-21, and limited Glenn to two free throws in the fourth quarter.

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In other Division III-A games:

Rosary 78, Moorpark 47--Kathleen Celio had 15 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists for the Royals (16-5). Teammates Erin Osajima and Sarah Belavic each had 13 points, including three three-pointers. Lauren Murphy had 10 points and Marissa Perez 10 rebounds for Rosary. The Royals next play at Inglewood Morningside.

Covina South Hills 51, Pacifica 37--Jaymee Pendergast was among four scorers with six points for Pacifica (12-13).