Atherton, CA- There is no hotter team in the Golden State Athletic Conference than the Menlo Oaks who have now won their eighth straight game and own a perfect 5-0 record in conference play. Both Jessup and Menlo came into this matchup receiving votes nationally. The Warriors had also won 10 of their last 11 games and were only one game out of first place in the conference. By halftime it seemed Jessup had seized all the momentum with a 15 point lead as well as the Oaks battling some foul troubles. Yet, as has been the case throughout the year Menlo would dominate the third quarter by a score of 23-6 on their way to a 75-70 victory.
Second Half Domination
The first 20 minutes of play Menlo struggled to find a groove on either side of the ball with the offense needing to find a rhythm and Jessup was able to score rather efficiently as well. But, as the teams emerged from their locker rooms the game would instantly change. In just 10 minutes of third quarter play the Oaks forced a staggering 12 turnovers. For context, Jessup turned the ball over 20 times for the entire game. Those takeaways led to a total of 21 points for Menlo as the team constantly capitalized on their opponents mistakes. There was also a very balanced scoring attack in the back half of the game as well. Jordyn Rosette once again staked her claim as possibly the best player in the conference with a game high 22 points, 11 of which were in the second half. Kiara Brown would also add 10 points through quarters three and four. When it was all said and done Menlo outscored the Warriors 55-25 after halftime as Jessup had no answer for the Oaks run.
Rosette, Hunter & Huggins Catch Fire
In a game that saw both teams shoot roughly 41% from the floor, the starting group of Aliya Hunter, Jordan Rosette and Jasmyne Huggins were each highly efficient in getting their points on the board. Starting with Rosette, her recent stretch of games has planted herself firmly in the discussion for the top player in the GSAC currently. Her game high 22 points came on 8-11 shooting from the floor and 4-5 from deep. Not only has she taken her scoring prowess to another level but her defensive intensity is statistically some of the best to have ever suited up for the Oaks. Rosette added four blocks and another three steals to her season total and continues to impact the action on the court at all possible levels.
Aliya Hunter has undergone a breakout shooting season as a new staple in coach Spataro's rotation. Yet, she did all of her damage in today's game at the rim and with midrange jumpshots. Hunter hit 4-6 shots to end the game with eight points as well as a team high five assists. Hunter's continued growth as a secondary playmaker will only make her more difficult to guard given her ability to knock down three point shots.
Lastly, Jasmyne Huggins has now started eight straight games for the Oaks. She has scored in double figures six times during that stretch. Today she chipped in 12 points to go with three assists while shooting an always solid 50% from the field.
Up Next…
Menlo Women's Basketball is back in action next Thursday against the visiting Master's Mustangs. Last season Menlo swept the season series winning both at home and on the road. The way the Oaks are playing right now, the team will be one hundred percent locked in on securing their ninth straight win and tightening their grip on the first place position in the conference.
