LJ g BB 37, Lincoln 26

Jenna Harmeyer (R) and Rebecca

Saul (behind) gang up on Lincoln

ballhandler in big win.

(Photos by Ed Piper)

Right before La Jolla basketball fans' eyes, girls like Abby Hoffman and Rebecca Saul are blossoming in their confidence and skills on the court. Propelled by these fireplugs and the persistence of veteran captain Jenna Harmeyer, the Vikings won a major moral victory, 37-26, over visiting Lincoln Fri., Jan. 30.

La Jolla employed a harassing full-court press later in the game, which caused fits for the harried Hornets. The red and black also deployed a withering man-to-man defense, which forced Lincoln to cough up numerous turnovers and yield breakaways by the host team.

LJHS led 31-20 with five minutes left in the third quarter. Despite the fact neither team could hardly buy a bucket at times during the low-scoring affair, the Vikings scratched and clawed and crept ahead each time Lincoln counter-attacked.

The full-court pressure, which was especially effective in subduing the inexperienced Lincoln ballhandlers, was applied by Harmeyer, Saul, who is only a freshman, Ward, and others for key stretches. Kate Miller is showing an increasing poise and comfort level in games. Sara Tajran was seen applying good, hard man defense on the guards she covered.

Tall Satori Roberson grabbed key rebounds and even exhibited some ballhandling skills taking the ball down court. Hoffman, in particular, showed new abilities to bring the ball down the floor, taking some of the pressure off Harmeyer, who continued her intensity and verve.

Vikings' Sara Tajran (white uniform) on the

attack in La Jolla's smothering defense

against the Hornets.

A social highlight after the game was Carter Simington's standing in the gym as basketball players returned following their post-game meeting. He held a sign saying, "Jenna ASB?", asking Harmeyer to go to the ASB Ball Feb. 7. Jenna, of course, was one of the last team members to come out. She smiled as she saw the sign and Simington. Thankfully, her answer was yes, as friends took photos of the couple and a reporter videotaped the interaction.

Carter, a fellow track team athlete with Harmeyer, described before Harmeyer appeared the screw placed in his leg to repair damage near the end of the football season last fall. He had to sit out CIF playoff action as a result. He will be aware of his leg at the ASB Ball as he dances on the repaired leg, which he said he can feel from the effects of the injury and subsequent surgery.

He was understandably nervous before the senior guard came out of the tunnel and read his placard entreaty, likely more nervous than he was before any football game the past season. Jenna didn't appear surprised. Someone said she had a heads-up on what was waiting for her inside the gym.


Copyright 2015 Ed Piper