Imperial Girl’s Basketball falls to Carlsbad, eyes state run

OCEANSIDE, Calif. (KYMA) - Both teams entered the Division 1 championship already locked into state play, including Imperial after a 23-win season. But standing in the Tigers’ way was a battle-tested Carlsbad Lancers squad.

Carlsbad wasted no time asserting itself. Crisp ball movement led to a wide-open corner three from Georgia Hawk, who delivered a monster performance with multiple triples. The Lancers jumped out to a quick 3-0 lead.

Imperial responded shortly after. Off an inbound play, Clarissa Davila found Elynna Jiminez on the left wing, and she buried the three to tie the game at 3-3.

Still, the Tigers struggled to find offensive rhythm early. Another Lancers three — this time from Mallory Huhn — helped Carlsbad build an 11-3 advantage.

Imperial battled back late in the first quarter. Kayla Armenta made a sharp cut to the rim and finished inside to cut the deficit to 11-6. Then Jiminez attacked the lane and hit a smooth floater, helping the Tigers close within two heading into the second.

But Carlsbad took control before halftime, outscoring Imperial in the second quarter to build a 31-19 lead at the break.

The Tigers made things interesting late, trimming the deficit to as close as three points, but couldn’t complete the comeback as Carlsbad secured the Division 1 title.

Despite the loss, head coach Richard Pontiètte expressed pride in his team.

“These ladies are unbelievable,” Pontiètte said. “They come out every game and give 100 percent. I’m just so proud of this team and this community.”

Senior guard Clarissa Davila emphasized the team’s identity.

“We’re a very hardworking team,” Davila said. “Defense first turns into offense. We regrouped, went back to our plan, and just kept fighting.”

The season, however, is far from over. Imperial now turns its focus to state play a new opportunity for a team that continues to prove it belongs on the biggest stage.