Fountain Valley High School girls’ basketball (6-6 league, 17-14 overall) secured its second-round appearance in five CIF playoff appearances on Wednesday, making this its second-ever advance past the first round of the CIF playoffs since 2019.
The Barons held a strong lead throughout the quarters, ending with a 75-35 victory in their Division 5A opener against Temescal Canyon (6-2 league, 12-18 overall).
Sophomore Truley Nguyen, who scored a game-high for the Barons with 24 points, converted 20 points in the first quarter alone. Senior Sophie Hsieh dominated the court with her strong leadership, controlling both offense and defense.Freshman Emmy Tran drives from the perimeter and floats the ball for a successful two-pointer.Senior Sophie Hsieh looks for a pass, ending the Baron’s first quarter with a 27-4 lead.Freshman Bailey Dinh advances the ball to find her open teammates – Dinh went on to be the Barons’ second-highest scorer with 13 points and 2 rebounds. Dominating the glass, Hsieh drives the ball outside the key. Senior Helen William secured a rebound and drove the ball to convert a tough layup – her 11th 2-pointer of the game.Junior Helena Rivera contests a layup, helping the Barons enter the 3rd quarter with a 45-16 lead.Following a 4-point scoring run, Nguyen drives the ball to the inside of the key, advancing the Baron’s sturdy offense.Freshman Skye Temple struggles for a rebound, dominating against two Titans.Dinh contests a 2-pointer from the top of the key, driving the Baron’s lead to 57-24 with 2:59 left in the third quarter. Following a 3-0, and-one play from the Titans, Nguyen passes the ball up the court, eyeing a cut from her teammates.Senior Kaylana Sitanggan converts a three-pointer from the perimeter. Halting their offensive play, both teams focus on the basket, holding their breath in anticipation. Nguyen successfully finishes the Baron’s scoring run with an explosive layup, helping the Barons enter their final quarter with a 41-point lead.Starting the 4th quarter off strong, Nguyen drives to the basket for another layup just 30 seconds in.The crowd barely contains its excitement as Nguyen scores the 67th point of the game. The Barons fight for a rebound shot, staying ready to dive in. Fountain Valley will advance to the second round of the Division 5A points in an away game against Torrance High School, 4th in the Pioneer League, on Saturday at 7:00 p.m.
