Paloma Valley wins, will play for girls basketball state title

Photo courtesy Paloma Valley High Facebook page

They're going to Sacramento.

The Paloma Valley High School girls basketball team took another huge step forward in its amazing season Tuesday night, defeating host Peninsula 60-48 in the CIF State Southern Region championship game. As a result, the Wildcats will play North Region champ St. Mary's Friday at 2 p.m. in Sacramento for the Division III state title.

Mya Pierfax scored 19 points, Sydney Woodley 16 and Trinitee Bradley 11 as the Wildcats won their 19th consecutive game and improved their season record to 34-3. Down 14-10 at the end of the first quarter, Paloma Valley outscored the home team 17-2 in the second quarter behind solid defense and Pierfax's 8 points. But using a full-court press to force turnovers and fouling often to stop the clock, the Panthers (25-10) cut the deficit to seven (52-47) with about two minutes remaining.

Responding to the challenge, the Wildcats outscored the Panthers 8-3 the rest of the way. Breeann Willich made three throws down the stretch, Woodley scored four points and Pierfax iced the victory with a pair of free throws in the closing seconds.

Friday in Sacramento, the Wildcats will try to win the first CIF state title ever by a Menifee school. St. Mary's, 27-7 overall, won its eighth straight game with a 68-59 win over Woodside Priory Tuesday night.