Golden West Improves to 4-0 at San Diego Tournament

San Diego, CA - Golden West women's basketball (4-0, 0-0 OEC) stays undefeated in win over the Chaffey Panthers (2-5, 0-0 IEAC), 69-63. 

The Rustlers squared off against the No. 16 Chaffey Panthers at the San Diego City Tournament. The tension was palpable as Chaffey sought redemption for the two heartbreaking come-from-behind losses they suffered at the hands of the Rustlers last season. One of which was a jaw dropping 21-point turnaround victory in the Golden West Gymnasium.

The Panthers, led by the indomitable Breonna Martinez from Etiwanda High School, boasted one of the state's best point guards. She averages an impressive 19-points per game despite relentless double teams and box-and-1 defenses. The stage was set for a clash of titans.

The Panthers came out swinging, dominating every facet of the game from the opening tip-off. Not only did Chaffey put up a season high 21 points in the first quarter, but they also showcased their defensive prowess by holding Golden West to a mere 5-points. It was a quarter that sent shockwaves through the arena, as it marked the lowest point total for the Rustlers in the last four years. Chaffey ended the quarter with a commanding 16-point lead, and it seemed like they were on the verge of running away with the game.

The second quarter didn't provide much solace for the Rustlers, as their top two scorers, Kayla Terry and Princess McCauley, both found themselves on the bench with three fouls each. Coach Migliorini was forced to call upon Jessiah Ramirez, who had yet to see a minute of action this season. Ramirez injected a jolt of energy into the Rustlers, pushing the tempo on offense and providing much needed speed on defense. Despite her efforts, the Rustlers went into halftime trailing by 11 points.

At halftime, Coach Migliorini reminded his team of their remarkable comebacks of the past. He reminded the team of their incredible 21 point rally against Chaffey last season and their recent double-digit comeback against Santa Monica just two days earlier. Conditioning was emphasized as the key to their success, and the message was clear: this game was far from over.

The Rustlers came out in the second half with a fire in their hearts and a relentless determination to claw their way back into the game. Terry, despite her foul trouble, rose to the occasion and finished the game with 21 points and a staggering 18 rebounds, showcasing her indomitable spirit. Ty Adams, who was shutout in the first half, exploded with 16 points in the second half, igniting Golden West's offense when they needed it most.

Makayla Heffernen found her stroke from beyond the arc, going 3 for 8 from the three-point line, while McCauley made a clutch three-pointer to keep the Rustlers in the game. Adams turned into a defensive menace, notching four steals in the fourth quarter alone.

The Rustlers thrived in second chance opportunities, outscoring the Panthers 22-7 in that department. Their fast break game was on point, with a 12-2 advantage as the bench played a pivotal role. Golden West's bench outscored Chaffey 25-22 after scoring 0 points in the first half.

The Rustlers displayed resilience and unwavering determination as they staged yet another remarkable comeback. The final score read 72-68 in favor of the Rustlers. The Comeback Kids had done it again, etching another unforgettable chapter in their storied history.

UP NEXT: The Rustlers will be on the road at LA Pierce on Wednesday, November 22nd. Tip off will be at 7pm.