Close games are nothing new when Redondo and Mira Costa girls basketball teams meet in league action and the meetings between the rivals Tuesday continued the trend with host Redondo pulling out the victory in overtime.
Redondo (13-8, 5-0) holds sole possession of first place in the Bay League after the Sea Hawks 44-34 win to conclude the first round of league action.
Redondo got off to a slow start, scoring only four points in the first quarter while Mira Costa’s Haley Herdman’s two 3-pointers helped the Mustangs jump out to an early 10-2 lead.
The Sea Hawks battled back to tie the game 24-24 at halftime the All-CIF forward Kyra Hamlin took charge.
Hamlin scored 10 consecutive points to help Redondo take a 22-18 lead in the third quarter before Mira Costa’s Laura Sheckter evened the game 24-24 heading into the final frame.
Both defenses tightened as each team managed only six points in the fourth quarter. Hamlin sunk a basket to give Redondo a 22-18 lead but Mira Costa’s Mia Finney nailed two free throws with 17 seconds left to force an overtime period.
Redondo outscored its rival 14-4 in the extra period sparked by Hamlin’s put back after an offensive rebound to give the Sea Hawks a four-point lead with 51 second left and Makenna Peneueta’s four free throws.
Hamlin finished the game with 14 points and 14 rebounds,
Redondo continues its quest for the Bay League crown Friday when the Sea Hawks host Inglewood Friday then travel to face Morningside on Tuesday.
Mira Costa (13-7, 4-1) hosts Palos Verdes Friday and plays at Peninsula on Tuesday. Girls basketball games are slated to tip off at 6 p.m.
Following the girls’ thrilling contest, Redondo’s boys made easy work of Mira Costa pulling away from their rival for a 78-47 win after holding an 11-point lead at halftime.
