THE OFFICIAL SITE OF
Whitney High School Athletics

Not only did a big victory over visiting Oakmont keep the Whitney girls basketball team in the hunt for the Capital Valley Conference title, but it also showcased the shooting talents of sophomore Jada Lewis. Friday, Lewis set a record for 3-point baskets made by sinking eight, beating her old record of seven. Perhaps equally remarkable is that she missed only two of her 10 attempts from beyond the arc. “I just stay in the gym and practice,” Lewis said of her 3-point shooting skills, “and I just keep shooting until I make as many as I want to.” Although Lewis alone outscored the Vikings with 26 total points, her performance did not overshadow the outstanding play of the Wildcats. As a team, the ‘Cats shot 65 percent from long range and 52 percent from the floor. The only blemish was a 5-for-13 showing at the free-throw line. Whitney also garnered 11 steals, 21 assists and 25 rebounds, and only turned the ball over six times. Eight players scored, with Kailee McCarrick adding 14 and Makenzie Macfarlane, Mazie Mcfarlane and Alyssa Baker combining for 23. “You can definitely see the confidence in the girls themselves, but I think more than anything it started with the confidence they see within each other,” Whitney head coach Sydney Gatson said. “They know on any given night anybody can perform. I don’t think we have any one star; I think we have multiple stars who whatever we’re asking of them that night they’re going to bring.” What Gatson does lack is a deep bench; it’s a strong bench, but with only nine players the fourth-year coach has to plan her strategies carefully. Against Oakmont, eight players scored. “We had to adjust our defense. We’re used to being an up-and-pressing team all game and we’ve had to rely a lot on half-court defense because of it,” Gatson said. “So, I think as coaches we’re trying to figure out ways to help them be successful, save their legs and have them ready for game time.” They were certainly ready Friday. Cosumnes Oaks 56, Whitney 54 In a furious fourth-quarter rally, the visiting Wolfpack erased an eight-point Wildcats’ lead Tuesday and tumbled Whitney into fourth place in the CVC Standings. Lewis added two more 3-point shots to her credits, but needed just one more. The sophomore joined Baker in leading the ‘Cats scoring with 10 points apiece. Gatson’s bench came through by shooting 41 percent from the floor, but Whitney was outscored 23-13 down the stretch. The Wildcats suffered 22 turnovers in the contest. Whitney will play at league-leading Antelope Friday. With the Titans surge to 6-0 in conference play, Friday’s contest should say a lot just how good Antelope is this season. Gatson said the Titans may not be as talented as past teams, but she said they make up for it in quickness and speed. Whitney and Antelope are pretty evenly matched on paper, but the Wildcats do hold an edge in 3-point shooting. Round two of CVC play begins Jan. 31 at Bella Vista.

THE OFFICIAL SITE OF
Whitney High School Athletics

WILDCATS SLIP IN CONFERENCE BATTLE AFTER LOSS

JIM LINSDAU

Placer Herald | 1/27/2017

PHOTO CREDIT: Whitney High School Athletics