Girls Basketball: Vista Murrieta Drives Past Murrieta Valley in Overtime

The Nighthawks-Bronco varsity girls basketball game Wednesday was even better than anticipated when the teams played to a 43-43 tie as time ran out, sending the game into overtime.

"Refuse to lose" was the theme of the night, as the Broncos and Nighthawks came to win the Southwestern League matchup. Both teams played physical, tough, aggressive games and the intensity was at play-off level.

The Broncos ended up on top, 53-50 with three key steals and lay-ups at the end of overtime play.

Jaelyn Brown, a freshman, was the VMHS player of the game. She had a double-double and had two of the key steals in overtime to secure the win. She scored 15 points with 10 rebounds and eight steals.

Serafina Maulupe also scored 15 points for the Broncos. Brittney Reed had 11 points, Yuendie Guridu 10 and Leitasi Cravens two.

Exhibiting perseverance and tenacity in the close overtime loss, Ariana Hernandez was named the Nighthawk player of the game. Subbed out twice for calf cramps, she came back onto the court and made a clutch basket to send the game into overtime. Hernandez ended the night with 13 points, four rebounds, one steal and an assist.

Deshea Wilkes was Murrieta Valley’s leading scorer with 18 points. Karen Wolf and Aliah Marshall both had seven points apiece.

Wolf led the team in rebounds with 10. Rounding out the Nighthawk attack were Alex Morrison with four points and Julia Cardenas with a free throw.

The Nighthawks play Chaparral at home Friday. The Broncos host the Rams from Murrieta Mesa. Both games start at 7 p.m.

The Nighthawks and Broncos will next play on Friday, Feb. 1. Mark your calendars. Better yet, get your tickets now.