Ramona bests Valley Center

Ramona High School’s varsity girls basketball team is improving as the season progresses.

Early in the season the third quarter was usually their worst eight minutes. The third period was what gave the Lady Dawgs a hard-fought 33-32 victory over Valley Center in the Dawg House on Senior Night on Friday. The win improved the team’s record to 14-11 overall and 7-3 in league play.

To say the game was physical would be an understatement. Both teams played aggressive defense and challenged every pass and shot.

Ramona got out to an 11-8 lead in the first period. The game was tied at 16 at half. Ramona outscored Valley Center 9-6 in the third period and hung on to win 33-32.

Ramona had a bad night at the free throw line as they only hit on six of 22 shots from the charity stripe. Valley Center hit on seven of 14 free throws.

Ramona’s Kellie Schoepp led all scorers with 9 points in the low scoring contest. She also grabbed a game high 14 rebounds and dished off two assists.

RaeAnne Van Tol was a force in the paint as she grabbed 11 rebounds and scored 4 points. Paige Conroy also was a force as she hauled down seven boards and scored 5 points.

Tessa Balcom scored 8 points and hit two key 3-point shots. Tori Sheppard hit one 3-point shot. Felisha Stead scored 4 points.

“It was not a pretty game,” said coach Ern O’Connor. “They have improved since the first time we played, and the refs let both teams play. Our defense played well. That is how we have to play to win.”

The Lady Dawgs are in third place in the Valley League behind undefeated Westview and Mt. Carmel and are a lock to earn a playoff berth.