East County Sports

Sultans make awaited return to finals

Santana's JANICE DEGUERO comes up the floor against San Pasqual. / photo by TRyan Photography

2016-17 EAST COUNTY PREP GIRLS BASKETBALL

SAN DIEGO CIF DIVISION 3 SEMIFINALS

SANTANA 61, SAN PASQUAL 50

The 2016-17 Santana Sultans will play for the San Diego CIF Division 3 championship on Friday at 11 a.m. at Jenny Craig Pavilion.

SANTEE – The Santana Sultans, winners of eight San Diego CIF section titles, will return to the championship game after rallying in the second half against visiting San Pasqual, 61-50, in the Division 3 semifinals Tuesday night.

Santana’s KOBIE HOLLAND defends against San Pasqual Tuesday night in the San Diego CIF Division 2 semifinals in Santee. / photo by TRyan Photography

The Sultans (18-11) were led by the core stars JANICE DEGUERIO, SIERRA SIMANEK, KOBIE HOLLAND, ZOE SHIBLEY and TIKA TAYLOR, as they were able to overcome a 29-26 halftime deficit

Shibley hit a three-pointer with three minutes remaining in the first quarter for a 10-8 Santana lead.

Late in the first quarter, Deguerio fired an entry pass in the lane to Holland, who hit a turnaround jump shot for a 14-11 Santana lead.

After the Golden Eagles forged their way back into the lead again midway through the second quarter, some nifty passing ended up in a jumped from the top of the key for Simanek, giving Santana a 20-19 edge.

Santana kept its composure and ended up looking very sharp in the second half to overcome the deficit and pull away for a convincing victory.

Santana will face top-seeded Lincoln (26-4) in the division championship on Friday at noon at Jenny Craig Pavilion.

The Hornets, led by TARAZJANAE COOKSEY’s 16 points, defeated Francis Parker, 65-38 in the other semifinal.

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