PHOTOS: Segerstrom holds on for key win over Godinez and earns share of league title

Segerstrom Coach Shonyta Pouncey (far right) and his players celebrate a victory Thursday night. (Photos courtesy Mark Bausman, For OC Sports Zone).

Segerstrom High School’s girls basketball team put together a strong second half and went on to defeat Godinez 36-31 to earn a share of the Golden West League title Thursday night at Segerstrom.

Segerstrom (19-8, 8-2) and Godinez (18-10, 8-2) share the league crown and both teams are headed to the CIF playoffs next week.

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Segerstrom Coach Shonyta Pouncey was emotional as he talked about the victory, and the league title after the game.

He was pleased that Segerstrom was able to avenge at 35-33 loss to Godinez in the first round.

“This is only my second year but the tradition of girls basketball at this school has been very high,” he said “There were some great coaches here before me and I’m blessed to have this job. These girls are relentless, I wouldn’t want to coach another team. They work hard and they are very, very sound players.”

Segerstrom led by as many as 10 points before Godinez closed the gap to two points at the end of three quarters.

The game was tied 29-29 with 2:30 left but Segestrom took the lead on a 3-pointer by Valeria Quero with 2:20 left. A basket by Stephanie Valenciano put the Jaguars ahead 36-31 and they were able to close out the win.

The Segerstrom coach was proud of the way his team responded after a first-round loss to Ocean View.

“We all knew that was our bad, we didn’t play defense, we didn’t rebound well, they came out and shot the ball really, really well,” he said. They were at home and had a bunch of people there and they won.

“We just had to make sure we handled our business to get back here. The second half of league has been great for us, they really locked in, they played really aggressive defense (with) really active hands getting deflections and a lot of run-outs. We’re just blessed, we’re blessed.”

Quero scored nine points on three 3-pointers and Valenciano seven points and Claudia Solis six points to lead Segerstrom. Quero is also the team’s best defensive player, Pouncey said.

Joanna Alcocer scored nine points to lead Godinez.

“I take my hat off to Coach Pouncey, his staff and players,” said Godinez Coach AJ Alaman. “With them being defending league champs we knew we were in for a battle. We got some good quality looks throughout the night that just didn’t fall.

“They stepped it up on the defensive end and made things tough for us. I’m proud of achieving one of our goals, a league championship and I’m excited to make some noise in the playoffs.”

Both coaches exchanged a hug and congratulations after the game in a show of sportsmanship.

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—Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com