A year ago, Yalee Schwartz of Shelhavet High was in pain at the Golden 1 Center after tearing an ankle ligament in the first quarter of the Section V girls’ state basketball championship that her team would lose to San Domenico.
Fast forward to Friday morning at the Golden 1 Center. The same two teams played for the Division IV state championship, and Schwartz is in pain again after being stabbed in the left eye in the second quarter.
“Are you OK?” coach Ryan Coleman asked.
Schwartz wanted to know if her eye was red.
“It’s a nice red color that goes with your hair,” said Coleman, which made Schwartz laugh.
There was nothing but joy after Shalhevet beat San Domenico 50-46 to win his first state championship. Schwartz finished with 21 points and 13 rebounds, assisted by Arielle Grossman, who had 18 points and 10 rebounds. Both were part of last year’s team.
“We worked 365 days to get back here,” Coleman said.
Schwartz said the team got their redemption. “I couldn’t be happier,” she said.
The focus was on taking good photos. Shalhevet (26-2) made only nine 3-pointers in the NBA arena. San Domenico attempted 65 shots, made only 16 and was seven of 31 from three-point range. Shalhevet had to overcome 24 turnovers and made only 14 of 28 free throws.
Summer Jenkins scored 15 points for San Domenico.
Source: LA Times