In a commanding display of skill and strategy, the San Ramon Valley Wolves showcased their fast-break offense, overpowering the Carondelet Cougars 70-49 on Friday night. This victory marks the Wolves” fourth consecutive East Bay Athletic League (EBAL) championship and solidifies their status as the team to beat as they head into the North Coast Section (NCS) playoffs.
As the game unfolded at San Ramon Valley High School in Danville, the Wolves” offense was initially sluggish. However, a pivotal second-quarter surge saw them execute a 14-0 run that forced a timeout from the Cougars. Despite stopping the momentum temporarily, the damage was significant, allowing the Wolves to maintain control throughout the game.
“We get so excited, and we just know that it”s our game,” said guard Alyssa Rudd, who played through three fouls during the critical stretch. “We carry it out from there, that fire. We”re so happy. And I think that”s the best part about it, is how happy you get.”
Channeling the infectious energy reminiscent of the peak days of the Golden State Warriors, the Wolves (24-3, 9-0) overwhelmed Carondelet (23-5, 8-1) with their perimeter shooting. A timely three-pointer from Hania Bowes not only ignited the home crowd but also served to demoralize the Cougars as the lead expanded beyond ten points.
Carondelet head coach Kelly Sopak acknowledged the challenge of defending against the Wolves” offensive strategy. “It”s tough, because they get to their spots. They get five out on the perimeter. So if you take away the three, you”re isolated in the middle of the floor. So they really cause problems,” he noted.
The atmosphere in the gym was electric whenever the Wolves went on a scoring run. The collective effort was evident, with seven players contributing to the scoreboard and three reaching double-digit points. The team”s chemistry was palpable, as the ball moved fluidly among players, creating scoring opportunities.
Despite battling illness that affected practice attendance, the Wolves found their rhythm as the game progressed. Coach John Cristiano remarked, “It took them a little while to get going, but once we got going, I knew we had it.” This victory extended San Ramon Valley”s winning streak over Carondelet to nine games, reinforcing their dominance in the East Bay.
Carondelet made a late push in the third quarter, narrowing the gap to eight points after trailing by fifteen at halftime. However, the Wolves responded decisively, starting the fourth quarter with a series of fast-break scores, including another three-pointer from Bowes and a driving layup from Ella Gunderson.
As the lead grew, Cristiano urged his players to slow down, but the Wolves were on a mission and maintained their high tempo. “We really work on transition,” Rudd explained. “We know we”re one of the fastest teams. Because we”re not the biggest, we can get down the court faster and outrun them. That is a huge advantage for us, especially later in the game when teams are getting tired.”
Bowes led all scorers with 23 points, while Gunderson added 20 and Rudd contributed 12 along with ten rebounds. For Carondelet, Niylah Christopher led with 17 points and Olivia Smith chipped in 11.
As students rushed the court to celebrate, it was clear that the Wolves had firmly established themselves as a powerhouse in the league, ready to take on new challenges in the upcoming playoffs.
