Westview shows vast improvement in hoops tourney

By: TOM SHANAHAN - For the North County Times | Sunday, July 24, 2005 9:42 PM PDT ∞

SAN DIEGO ---- Tying for ninth place in a summer girls high school basketball tournament may not sound like much reason for optimism this winter, but Westview's finish in the 19th annual San Diego Classic requires perspective.

First, know that the tournament featured 348 teams playing games over four days in an event that is the largest in the nation for high school teams rather than club teams. Westview, competing in the 2A Division, won its pool in games played Thursday and Friday and advanced to the championship bracket on Saturday and Sunday.

Next, understand that Westview rebounded from a loss Saturday to Moorpark to beat Lake Arrowhead Christian 36-29 on Sunday at UCSD's RIMAC Arena. The Wolverines finished with a 5-1 record and tied for ninth in 2A despite playing Sunday without two of its starters, junior Katie Girten and sophomore Patch Cunanan.

And, most notable of all, three short summers ago Westview went 0-6 as a new high school in the San Diego Classic. From last among 300-some teams to a tie for ninth is a significant jump.

"I try to forget about that first year," said senior Shawn Wilcox, grinning as she sat on the RIMAC sidelines and unlaced her basketball shoes. "But every year we've gotten better, and every summer has been more fun. I'm glad I played that first summer, because it has made me appreciate this summer much more."

Wilcox, a 6-foot center who is Westview's only fourth-year varsity player, scored eight points as the Wolverines ended their summer with a 27-7 record.

"I don't know if the 2A Division was as competitive as last year, but I'm really happy with my team's play," said Westveiw coach Bob McHeffey, who has been with the program since the school opened. "Last year all of our games were competitive, but this year we had two blowouts. I wasn't expecting that."

With Girtin and Cunanan leaving town after Saturday's game to attend summer basketball camps, sophomore Jenny Bryant (5-7) filled the scoring void. She hit three 3-pointers to lead the Wolverines with 15 points.

Senior Jennilyn DeJesus, a 5-6 point guard, scored only two points, but she played a strong floor game. Midway way through the second half she sandwiched two assists around two free throws for a 23-18 lead that was, at that point, the Wolverines' largest cushion of the game.

Westview tied for ninth in the 2A division with Palomar League rival Mt. Carmel. They were the two highest placing North County schools. The Sundevils defeated Seton Catholic of Chandler, Ariz., 31-27 on Sunday.

"The Palomar League will be very tough again next year," McHeffey said. "Basically, everyone in the Palomar League has everyone coming back."