So close were they that they could taste it.
The La Jolla Country Day (LJCD) School girls basketball team fell just short in its bid to capture the Division IV state title in Sacramento last Friday, dropping a 67-65 decision to Vallejo St. Patrick/St. Vincent.
The Lady Bruins rallied from an 11-point deficit to ruin LJCD’s first trip back to the state final since 2004.
This is the fifth time in eight years that the Lady Torreys have played in the state championship game. LJCD won the state title in 2001 and 2002 in Division V.
In last Friday’s loss, LJCD (27-6) recovered from a 64-57 deficit to take a 65-64 lead. The Lady Bruins went ahead again at 66-65, before LJCD had several opportunities to take the lead.
The Lady Torreys, however, missed a couple attempts at the basket and ended up fouling.
Vallejo St. Patrick/St. Vincent converted one of two free throws, still leaving LJCD with an opportunity to tie or win the game in regulation. LJCD, though, could not get off a final shot, sending them home with the runner-up prize.
Janae Fulcher paced LJCD with 23 points, while teammate Dominique Conners added 21.
“This is a huge achievement for our Lady Torreys and Country Day as a whole,” LJCD head coach Terri Bamford said. “We are so proud of our lady athletes, who have really pulled together as a team this year and, through their hard work and dedication to a sport they love, have achieved tremendous success. I was very proud of the effort that the ladies displayed on the court. They played their hearts out and never gave up.”
LJCD has three players who will continue their playing careers at Division One universities. Fulcher (Arizona State), Conners (University of San Diego) and Chelsea Burns (Utah State) will don new uniforms next winter.
While the loss stung, LJCD can look back at an outstanding campaign once again, having won yet another Coastal League crown to go with CIF section and regional titles.
“This was one of the most enjoyable seasons of my career,” Bamford added. “This group of ladies had unbelievable chemistry on and off the floor. It was great to coach a team where everyone knew and accepted their role on the team.
“As a coach, you dream of a season where you don’t have to worry about dealing with problems concerning conflicting personalities and philosophies and you can just concentrate on playing basketball, and this season that dream came true.”