First half key in Stallions’ loss

The Madera South Stallions were outscored 35-13 and watched any thought of a season sweep over the Bullard-Fresno Knights fall away in a 52-29 County/Metro Athletic Conference loss.

“We didn’t come ready to play,” Madera Stallions head coach Johnny Sharp said Tuesday night. “Our minds are everywhere else but basketball.”

The Stallions never seemed to get it going after the Knights dominated from the jump ball. The first quarter was far from close after the Knights scored the first five points due to Stallions’ turnovers. The Knights defensive pressure was an issue for the away team.

“Bullard had a good pressing defense,” Sharp said. “I know that had something to do with it, but our problem right now is mental."

Lanaye Brewer and Kaylyn Cha converted on tough baskets in the first quarter but were unable to get anything else going in the game.

Bullard dominated from long range and inside the paint as well. By the end of the first quarter, the Knights were pulling away following a 6-0 run.

The Stallions showed more fight in the second quarter after Lexi Eller began with an and-one layup after she muscled through her defender for the shot and foul. Cha continued her scoring touch early on after another easy layup.

The Knights closed out the quarter on a 16-5 run to finish the half leading by 22 points.

The Stallions would rest a majority of their starters in the second half after the starting group were unable to play at a high level.

The Knights went on to close out the second half with ease, sending the Stallions to their fourth straight loss.