HUNTINGTON BEACH — Harper Gideons has been a shining star for the St. Margaret’s basketball team all season.
Its sophomore guard leads the team averaging just over 15 points per game.
But while Gideons sat on the bench spending most of the game in foul trouble, the Tartans had to find other options.
“You never know who is going to step up on a given night,” St. Margaret’s coach Josh Markum said.
The Tartans finished with three players scoring in double figures as they breezed past Ocean View 56-36 on Saturday night to advance to the CIF-Southern Section Div. 5AA Quarterfinals.
This really feels incredible,” freshman guard Lila Wohlgemuth said. “I really didn’t expect it going into the season.”
Wohlgemuth helped St. Margaret’s jump out to an early lead with a pair of threes just minutes into the first quarter.
About four minutes in, Gideons already had to sit with her second foul.
“It was frustrating because I take pride not committing that many fouls, but I still wanted to lead from the bench,” Gideons said.
With Gideons on the bench cheering her team on, the Tartans continued to push forward and never looked back.
Gideons added a 3-pointer after returning to start the second quarter, but after picking up another quick foul, the Tartans started to use their size in the paint with freshmen Annika Tufo and Addie West.
By halftime, the Tartans held a comfortable 35-24 lead.
St. Margaret’s ddefense was on full display in the second half, holding the Seahawks to just four field goals.
Angela Bado started the game off with a 3-pointer, but the Tartans rallied off 11 consecutive points. Jaden Campuzano added a 3-pointer in the corner, but St. Margaret’s was well on its way to victory.
“We started to settle in and we made some great adjustments,” Markum said. “By the end we were able to take our time on offense.”
Gideons added four more points to reach double digits with 10 points while Wohlgemuth led the way with 12 points. Tufo also finished with nine points.
“It’s so much fun to watch all my teammates step up and have composure in a stressful playoff game,” Gideons said. “I’m so proud of them. I love them.”
St. Margaret’s will now host Immaculate Heart of Los Angeles in the Div. 5AA quarterfinals.
The Pandas are 11-12 this season.
