Burbank Takes Tourament Again

Burbank takes tournament again

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL: Bulldogs hit their free throws against Whittier Christian in securing San Marino championship.
By Jeff Tully

Published:Tuesday, December 9, 2008, Burbank Leader

BURBANK — Like all basketball coaches, Burbank High’s Bruce Breeden stresses the importance of making free throws.His Bulldogs girls’ squad learned that lesson first hand Saturday in the championship game of the San Marino Tournament.

Burbank converted 10 of its 11 free throws in the fourth quarter and 21 of 26 in the game to defeat Whittier Christian, 49-33.It is the second straight season the Bulldogs (4-0) have won the tournament title.“You can see how important making your free throws is,” Breeden said. “I really didn’t realize that we made that many of our free throws in the game until I added them up.

”The Bulldogs received some fine efforts from its players throughout the tourney. Katie Nelson was named the event’s most valuable player, while teammate Kristin Crawford was an all-tournament selection.

In the title game, Burbank was paced by Nelson, who scored 13 points to go along with 11 rebounds. Teammate Tiffany DeRamus poured in 12 points and Crawford had six points and seven assists.“What is great about our play is that we had a different player, or different players, step up for us every game in the tournament,” Breeden said. “We even got great play from some of our backup players.“We really don’t have that one dominant player this season, but we have a good group of talented players.”Things were tight in the early going between the teams in the championship game.

Burbank trailed by two points after three quarters.The big push for the Bulldogs came in the fourth quarter, when their defense stepped up and outscored the Heralds, 30-16.“I told the girls before the game that we needed to be aggressive,” Breeden said. “I think that helped us a lot, especially in that fourth quarter.”Burbank does not play this week but will be competing next week in the Magnolia Park Optimist Tournament at Burroughs High.

Breeden said he thinks his team’s fine start should benefit it in the long run.“I do think it’s good for us, and good for the program,” he said. “Everything we do in the preseason is to get us ready for league. League is what’s more important for us.”Burbank — which tied for second place last season — opens Pacific League play Jan. 7 against Hoover.