February 09, 2008

The Reporter: VCS wraps up league crowns

Both squads earn at least a share of title with victories By Reporter Sports Staff

One halftime chat worked. The other wasn’t really needed.

With a possible Central Valley Christian League title on the line, Bob Fernandez watched his Vacaville Christian High School girls basketball team stumble through the first half of its game Friday against visiting Woodland Christian.

Ferandez wasn’t about to see a repeat in the third and fourth quarters.

He didn’t. After a pointed talk in the locker room, the Falcons responded with a huge second half in a 73-37 win.

The VCS boys, on the other hand jumped out to a huge lead early and cruised to an 86-48 win over Woodland Christian.

“We had a little discussion,” Fernandez said simply. “I challenged them. There was too much on the line. We played way too lackadaisical in the first half. But the second was one of the better halves we’ve played all year.”

VCS finished the regular season with a 9-1 record in the CVCL, good for a first-place tie with Forest Lake Christian of Auburn. The Falcons will host a CVCL playoff game on Tuesday.

Amber Hutchsion led the rally with 14 of her season-high 17 points after halftime, and Alex Erb chipped in 12 of her 14 in the second half.

Lyndsey Elm and Kristy Abel scored 13 and 10 points, respectively.

In the boys game, Tomas Gustafson led four players in double figures with 17 points, including five 3-pointers. Shane Moore added 14, Naim Powell chipped in 13 and Anthony Negrete scored 12.

The Falcons improved to 8-2 in the CVCL, also tied for first place in the league. They too will host a CVCL playoff game on Tuesday, at 7:30.

“This was quite an accomplishment,” VCS head coach Chris Minner said. “We lost four starters from last year, and I don’t think anybody gave us a chance to win the league. I’m proud of our guys.”