CastillejaBasketball.com Official Blog

Gators’ Season Ended by Two-Time Defending State Champs

March 12, 2009 on 8:25 pm | In Game Recaps, Stats | No Comments

Castilleja’s historic basketball season concluded Thursday night with a loss to the two-time defending state champion Branson in San Rafael. The Gators, three wins from a state championship, appeared ready for Branson, almost matching them bucket for bucket in the game’s opening minutes. Castilleja would eventually take the lead with three minutes left in the half on a three-point play from Tayo Amos (five points, three rebounds, two steals). The Gators were also bolstered by Laura Rose (six rebounds) who led the team with six first half points, all coming in the 2nd quarter. Branson answered with a 7-0 run the close out the first half with a 23-18 lead. The 3rd quarter saw the Gators go cold as Branson extended their 7-0 run to a 15-1 run with an 8-1 3rd quarter advantage. Castilleja, down 31-19 going into the 4th, was not about to quit and opened the 4th by outscoring Branson 11-4 to pull to within five with help from Natasha von Kaeppler (12 points, eight rebounds) and Eve Zelinger (10 points, eight assists [Castilleja CIF Playoff high]) who each scored eight points in the final frame. Branson held off the Gator spurt with a couple of baskets to push their lead back to nine and were able to dribble out the clock as time ran out on Castilleja and their incredible season. Senior Ericka von Kaeppler, playing in her final Castilleja game, added eight points and team highs of four steals and three blocks. Ericka finishes her high school career as Castilleja’s all-time leader in blocks (271), double-doubles (43), field goal percentage (44.3%), and free throw attempts (534).

Notes: Castilleja’s 18 4th quarter points after 1 3rd quarter point marks the largest increase from 3rd quarter to 4th quarter scoring in school history…Castilleja ties a school record by playing in their 32nd game of the season…Tonight marked the sixth straight contest in which Castilleja’s opponent came into the contest on a winning streak of seven or more games.

Opponents' Win Streaks Coming into Game
Date  Opponent         WS   Result
3/12  Branson          22   Lost 37-44
3/10  Durham           18   Won  51-33
3/07  Pinewood         17   Lost 41-43
3/04  St. Francis CCC   7   Won  35-33
2/28  Anzar             9   Won  54-18
2/21  Pinewood         14   Lost 41-61