Defense leads Mira Costa, Redondo to girls basketball CIF-SS semifinals
Mira Costa guard Kelly Toyooka, who played a vital role on defense, drives past a Diamond Bar defender during the Mustangs CIF-SS Division 1A quarterfinal win. Photo Mira Costa girls basketball coach John Lapham knows the importance of having a strong defense in making a strong run for a CIF title. His Mustang squad is capitalizing on his philosophy advancing to the CIF-Southern Section Division 1A semifinals with a 47-33 home win against Diamond Bar Wednesday night. “We need to be aggressive the rest of the way and box out a little better but we continue to improve in that area,” Lapham said. “I’m really feeling good about our defense. The last two weeks we’ve stepped up our defense so I really like our chances of winning a title but the final three games will be very tough.” Despite the defensive pressure that kept Diamond Bar from getting inside, the Brahmas kept the game close for three quarters. But Mira Costa, who was facing a team with more size than its first two playoff opponents, increased its lead in the fourth quarter Allie Navarette scored a game-high 17 points and grabbed six rebounds while Halle Maeda added 11 points. Top-seeded Mira Costa (21-8) will host…
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