WBAL Foothill

[TheHillZ]

For the first time in some time the WBAL's top division should be competitive.

While it has struggled so far, Pinewood, the long reigning champ, will be a much different (and better) team in a couple of days when Ava Uhrich becomes eligible.

Menlo comes off of a D4 CCS title and a D2 state quarterfinal last year. They lost quite a bit to graduation, but have a dynamic duo in sophomores Karen Xin and Ricki Liu. Menlo is 5-1 on the young season.

Crystal Springs (a state quarter finalist last year in D5) returned everyone, and is off to a 9-1 start, including an impressive tourney title down in Santa Cruz. They play smothering defense.

ND Belmont is likewise 9-1 with a senior-laden squad led by point guard Abby Co.

Priory was hit hard by graduation, but Coach Buck reloaded with several talented freshmen. They're 5-2.

Harker is making its debut in the upper division after a terrific run (25-3) last season. But their top scorer from that team, Anjali Yella, is not playing this season which will make things tougher for them.

 

[TheHillZ]

After announcing its return to the stage with a huge win over Salesian, Pinewood smoked Woodside Priory tonight 69-36. Ava Uhrich is as advertised. Top notch in all aspects of the game, and makes her teammates much better.

Menlo topped Harker 55-47. Ruiqi Liu and Karen Xin combined for 40(ish) of Menlo's points. Izzy Lo for Harker had 23+.

Crystal defeated ND Belmont 44-36. The Gryphons get after it on defense.

 

[TheHillZ]

Pinewood and Crystal Springs sit atop the league standings at 2-0 heading into their match up at Crystal on Friday.

Pinewood's Ava Uhrich had a ridiculous stat line versus Harker in a blow out win -- 28/21/9 -- but the Panthers have been bitten hard by the injury bug.

Crystal is 12-2 overall after knocking off Priory at home tonight 55-48, and beating Half Moon Bay on the road earlier in the week. They seem to get contributions from everyone on offense, and their varying presses and traps have been highly effective.

ND Belmont and Menlo are each 1-1 in the league, after Belmont earned a hard fought 55-51 victory against the Knights. Abby Co hit a late three to propel the Tigers who are 12-2 overall. Karen Xin continues to drain from distance for Menlo and had 15 in the loss.

Priory had a statement win against the WCAL's Valley Christian, and showed well against Crystal, trailing by only one at the half. The addition of Jr. Mara Batung (xfer from St. Francis) to a talented and improving group of freshmen makes them a threat every game.

Harker had a tough week with losses to Pinewood and lower division Kings Academy. Izzy Lo and Claire Miao can score in bunches, but the Eagles lack size.

 

[TheHillZ]

Crystal moved to 3-0 in league and 13-2 overall after a 50-41 victory over Pinewood. It was Crystal's first ever win against the Panthers, and Pinewood's first league loss since 2019. Junior Jemma Lacap led the Gryphons with 19. The rematch in a couple of weeks at Pinewood should be interesting, with at least one Pinewood starter hopefully back from injury.

Priory topped Menlo to improve to 1-2 in league, and tacked on a non-league win against Lick Wilmerding to stand at 9-6 overall. Addy Chan hit for 21 against Menlo, mostly from far away, and Priory withstood a furious fourth quarter rally to win by 8. Menlo dropped to 1-2 in the league and faces Pinewood and Crystal this week.

Harker had it's best league showing so far, leading ND Belmont most of the way before falling 43-39. Encouraging effort for the Eagles. And ND Belmont remains in the thick of the race with the victory at 13-2 overall and 2-1 in league.

 

[TheHillZ]

The WBAL season reached its halfway point.

Surprising Crystal Springs (15-2, 5-0) followed its first ever with against Pinewood with its first ever win against Menlo, squeaking by the Knights on the road 42-40. Crystal followed that with a 12-point win against Harker. Defense continues to be the key, as nobody has reached the 50 point mark against them in league.

Pinewood (8-7, 4-1) rebounded figuratively and literally by topping Notre Dame Belmont 67-61 and Menlo 63-38. Alex Facelo’s return for the Panthers makes a big difference.

The youngsters of Priory (11-6, 3-2) are on the rise. They had an excellent week with a 10-point win over Notre Dame, and a 69-30 blitz of Harker. Ugreat Daniels went for 25 pts and 16 boards against the Eagles.

ND Belmont (13-4, 2-3) played everyone tough, but has only two league wins to show for it so far.

Menlo (8-8, 1-4) has a puncher’s chance in every game thanks to its outside shooting.

Harker (7-9, 0-5) played well against Crystal, but Priory exploited the Eagles' lack of size.