PHOTOS: Crean Lutheran remains tied for first in league with 53-34 win over Kennedy

Taylor Feldman of Crean Lutheran drives to the basket Friday as Kennedy’s Lauren Lau (No. 5) and Paige Yasukochi defend. (Photo courtesy Crean Lutheran Shutterbugs, Wendy Rueter/For OC Sports Zone)

Crean Lutheran’s girls basketball team remained in a tie for first place in the Empire League with a 53-34 victory over Kennedy Friday night at Crean Lutheran.

To see the slide show, please click on the first photo

Crean Lutheran players cheer on their teammates Friday night.
Photo courtesy Crean Lutheran Shutterbugs, Wendy Rueter

Crean Lutheran Coach Bianca Ziemann encourages her team Friday night.
Photo courtesy Crean Lutheran Shutterbugs/Wendy Rueter

Daelyn Johnson of Crean Lutheran attempts a free throw in Friday night's game.
Photo courtesy Crean Lutheran Shutterbugs/John Luciano

Trinity Cha of Crean Lutheran goes up for a shot against Kennedy.
Photo courtesy Crean Lutheran Shutterbugs, John Luciano

Crean Lutheran freshman Maya Bland goes up for a shot in Friday's game.
Photo courtesy Crean Lutheran Shutterbugs, John Luciano

Crean Lutheran's Trinity Cha tries for a basket Friday night.
Photo courtesy Crean Lutheran Shutterbugs, John Luciano

Crean Lutheran's Taylor Feldman goes up for a shot Friday night.
Photo courtesy Crean Lutheran Shutterbugs/John Luciano

Crean Lutheran and Tustin are both 5-1 in league play and meet on Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Tustin in a showdown for first place. The Saints won the first round match 51-41 over the Tillers on Jan. 10 at Crean Lutheran.

“It was a great game especially when we didn’t have Hailee Daniel playing tonight,” said Crean Lutheran Coach Bianca Ziemann. “Everyone on our team picked it up defensively and especially in the rebounding category. Maya Bland led the team with 15 boards after her first start as a freshmen this season.”

Taylor Feldman scored 22 points and had four steals, Shannon O’Malley had nine points and six rebounds and Bland added six points to lead Crean Lutheran (20-3 overall).