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SoCal Regional basketball playoffs: Immanuel girls' magical run ends

The Fresno Bee

Tuesday, Mar. 12, 2013 | 11:51 PM

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Immanuel High's dream postseason run in girls basketball found a wall at Sierra Canyon-Chatsworth, which defeated the Eagles 71-29 Tuesday night in the semifinals of the Southern California Division V Regional.

"Unbelievable," Immanuel coach James Stevens said. "They were so skilled."

His 11th-seeded Eagles (22-8) were coming off their first Central Section title in addition to regional upset wins over sixth-seeded Flintridge Prep-La Cañada (53-46) and No. 3 View Park-Los Angeles (45-41).

But No. 2 Sierra Canyon (26-9) of the Southern Section bolted to a 41-16 halftime lead and coasted behind sophomores Kennedy Burke and Cheyanne Wallace, who scored 16 and 15 points.

"They were taller, faster and fundamentally unbelievable," Stevens said of the Trailblazers, coached for the first season by Alicia Komaki.

She arrived from one of the nation's most prominent private athletic powers in Mater Dei-Santa Ana, whose facilities are almost college-like. The Eagles found similar amenities at Sierra Canyon, which commands a $25,000 annual tuition. Immanuel's is $7,400.

Olivia Sorensen closed her three-year varsity career with 13 points and freshman Zoe March added 11 for Immanuel.

"I looked at our non-seniors and said, 'Understand, our goal is to get back here again; this is not a one-time deal for Immanuel,' " Stevens said. "And they all said, 'Yes, we're on board.' "


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