Anthony Fuels Santa Ana’s Victory Over Irvine Valley

Freshman guard Rochelle Anthony led an impressive second-half comeback as Santa Ana beat visiting Irvine Valley, 78-68, in an Orange Empire Conference women’s basketball ball game Friday.

Anthony scored 19 of her game-high 28 in the second half as Santa Ana rallied from a six-point halftime deficit.

It was the 12th consecutive victory for Santa Ana (13-2, 2-0), which is ranked fourth in the state. It was second loss in three games for Irvine Valley (13-4, 1-1), which is seventh in the state.

Irvine Valley used a strong inside passing game and led by as many as eight early in the second half. But Santa Ana rallied behind Anthony, sophomore forward Shanna Renken and sophomore center Nekeda Allen in the second half.

Renken added 10 and Allen eight in the half to give the trio 37 of the Dons’ 44 points in the half.

Anthony’s biggest shot of the game also was the clincher for Santa Ana. With one second left on the shot clock, she made three-pointer that put the Dons ahead, 74-66, with 46 seconds left in the game.

Anthony was 12 of 22 from the field and four of four on three-pointers.

“I think the girls were pumped up and ready for this one,” Santa Ana Coach Jack Single said.

Renken finished with 18 points and Allen had 15 points and 11 rebounds for Santa Ana.

Heather Cunningham had 18 points and Kristen Copp 12 for Irvine Valley.