RHP Defeats Bishop Montgomery 47-37 in Thrilling Basketball Showdown

UPDATE: In a gripping contest, the Rolling Hills Prep (RHP) girls basketball team triumphed over Bishop Montgomery with a score of 47-37 in Torrance on December 5, 2023. This nonleague victory marks a significant moment for RHP, who are now 5-2 for the season, winning four of their last five games.

The game showcased both teams struggling with shooting, but RHP leveraged its depth and experience, having previously qualified for the CIF State Southern California Regionals. Bishop Montgomery, on the other hand, continues to face challenges without two of its key starters.

As the fourth quarter unfolded, RHP pulled away decisively, establishing a commanding lead. The Huskies displayed impressive teamwork, with four players scoring in double figures, led by guard Leah Sasaki who netted a game-high 13 points. Teammates Brooklyn Hall and Mia Fernandez contributed 12 points each, while Regan Enright added 10 points.

Huskies head coach Moniquee Alexander expressed pride in her team’s resilience, especially after overcoming early setbacks, including a quick 9-2 run by Bishop Montgomery. “We’re a family and we take care of each other,” Alexander stated. “The girls did a really good job of sticking together.”

Bishop Montgomery struggled to maintain momentum, trailing 34-24 with just over three minutes left in the third quarter. A timeout sparked a brief rally, cutting RHP’s lead to 34-30. However, the Knights faltered, missing 13 consecutive shots and failing to capitalize on scoring opportunities. Coach Rheina Ale voiced frustration over the defensive lapses, stating, “I haven’t seen them play that bad defensively.”

The Knights’ top performer, G’Layah Salazar, managed to score 12 points, while Kali Pascual added 9 points. However, the absence of returning starter Sophia Dignadice, currently with the Philippines national team, has left the team struggling for consistency. Dignadice is expected to return by December 21.

RHP’s Hall and Sasaki were instrumental in their offensive strategy, with Hall leading the charge in the first half. “We knew we’d have the open shots, and we work hard so we knew that it would come in-game,” Hall commented. Sasaki echoed this sentiment, emphasizing their improved energy and teamwork throughout the match.

Enright’s late-game scoring surge solidified RHP’s advantage, showcasing her resilience. Coach Alexander described her as “the most resilient kid in South Bay,” highlighting her inspiring journey both on and off the court.

As Bishop Montgomery adjusts to its current roster dynamics, Ale remains optimistic. “We have to go through these things in order to get better. I take this on as a challenge,” she said.

What’s next? Both teams will look to make adjustments ahead of their upcoming games. RHP aims to continue their winning streak, while Bishop Montgomery seeks to regain its footing once Dignadice returns to the lineup. Stay tuned for further updates on both teams as they navigate the challenges of the season.