Diamond Ranch Cruises Past North Torrance In CIF Girls Basketball

Diamond Ranch standout Chelsea Barnes had no problem with visiting North Torrance.

Full-court press? No problem. Second half run by the Saxons? No problem.

Leading the Panthers to a 55-43 victory in the second round of the CIF Division 3AA girls basketball playoffs?

You guessed it. No problem.

With the victory, Diamond Ranch advances to the 3AA quarterfinals, where it will travel to Arroyo Grande Wednesday for a 7 p.m. game. Arroyo Grande defeated Peninsula, 55-35, to advance.

With excellent man-to-man defense and a solid press, Diamond Ranch kept North Torrance scoreless the first six minutes of the first quarter. The lady Saxons finally showed signs of life from junior guard and team captain, Ashleigh Ellis who hit one of her free throws followed by a fade away jumper.

The unstoppable one-two tandem of juniors Barnes and Erika Williams combined to score Diamond Ranch’s entire 23 first-half points, sinking shots and fearlessly looking to score. The lady Panthers lead the Saxons, 23-17, going into halftime.

Midway through the third quarter, North Torrance pulled within six points of Diamond Ranch, where the game hadn’t been that competitive since the last thirty-five seconds in the first quarter.

But Barnes exhibited her athletic prowess after scoring over two Saxons, putting Diamond Ranch ahead 33-22 at the three minute mark of the third quarter.

Panthers Junior guard Tryvette White contributed with an impressive block sending the ball into the stands,  getting the Diamond Ranch bench on their feet, cheering.

Closing out the third quarter on a high note, Chelsea Barnes easily broke North Torrance’s press by going coast to coast, making a layup at the buzzer for a 41-24 lead.

Scoring eight of the lady Panthers eighteen third quarter points, Barnes played the entire third quarter with intense energy.

“Its just the love for the game”, said Barnes. “I was so determined to win and play well."

After their victory over Beaumont, Panthers coach Mike James knew his team needed to adjust. “We were a different team out there tonight,” said James. “Im really proud of the ladies win."