Golden Valley girls extend winning streak with OT victory

In a battle of teams riding five-game winning streaks, the Golden Valley High School girls received two clutch free throws from sophomore Kat Tern and eight points in overtime from senior Stephanie Moore in a 60-55 win over Heritage of Brentwood on Saturday at Modesto Christian’s Martin Luther King Jr. Showcase.

The Cougars (16-4) led most of the fourth quarter but fell behind 47-45 with 23 seconds to play when Sumni DaSilva hit a three-pointer for her only points.

But 12 seconds later, Tern was fouled attacking the basket and went to the foul line with the game in the balance. She hit both to force overtime, then Moore took over. The Player of the Year candidate scored 17 of her game-high 25 points in the fourth quarter and overtime. Thirteen of those 17 came on free throws.

Moore also led Golden Valley with 14 rebounds, and teammates Kayla Commons and Abbee Croninger pulled down 11 and nine. Delia Moore, Stephanie’s sister, had a team-high eight assists.

The game was close throughout, with neither team leading by more than five.

“They pressed the heck out of us,” Golden Valley coach Matt Thissen said. “We don’t see pressure like that in the Central California Conference.”

The Cougars visit Turlock on Tuesday in a CCC matchup.

Bradshaw Christian 55, Merced 38 in Salida – The Pride sprinted to a 19-4 lead in the first quarter and handed the Bears their second consecutive loss.

Raelynn Blackwell led the Bears (14-6) with 11 points, and Lexi Thompson and Symone Gilliam had nine each.

This story was originally published January 17, 2016 at 11:55 AM with the headline "Golden Valley girls extend winning streak with OT victory."