Lady Tigers & Nighthawks Both Score TCC Wins

Natomas Cancels JV Schedule, Combines Teams

IHS HEAD COACH PHILLIP HAMPTON & TEAM DURING SECOND QUARTER.

BY TREVOR HORN
THE NATOMAS BUZZ | @natomasbuzz

The question coming into the new season for Inderkum High School’s girls varsity basketball team was how to replace former center Riana Byrd.

The answer: Kyliyah Daniel, Anthina McCaskel and Alexus Steuben who combined accounted for 31 points and 28 rebounds as the Tigers (10-8 overall, 1-0 TCC) extended their Tri-County Conference win streak to 23 games Friday night.

Inderkum won 58-32 at home Jan. 11 over Yuba City.

“I think between (Daniel), Steuben and (McCaskel), all three of them are going to make a difference in filling that gap,” Inderkum head coach Phillip Hampton said. “I think all of the ‘bigs’ today played strong. That’s a good sign moving forward.”

Daniel and McCaskel both recorded double-doubles. Daniel scored game-highs in points (14) and rebounds (11), while McCaskel had 11 points and 10 rebounds.

“I think it is important to fill (Byrd’s) position,” Daniel said. “She left a big (hole), so for us to fill it, that is good.”

Sakara Brewer chipped in 11 points, including eight in the third quarter.

The Tigers have not lost a TCC game since Feb. 11, 2010. Friday night’s game extends the Inderkum win streak over Yuba City (3-12, 0-1) to nine games.

All 12 Tigers played Friday, including nine who scored at least two points.

“That’s important because I know as we get going in the season injuries happen,” Hampton said. “I need everyone on the bench ready and game tested.”

Inderkum hosts Woodland High School on Wednesday, Jan. 16.

Natomas High School girls basketball: Prior to Friday night’s game on the road against Woodland High School, Natomas High administration and coaching staff decided to cancel the junior varsity girls basketball schedule and combine the JV and varsity teams into one.

Natomas High athletic director Anthony Agrella cited “concern for the health of the student-athletes” for the decision. Numbers had dwindled on both teams.

The Lady Nighthawks opened up TCC play with a 49-45 win against Woodland.

“Great win to begin league play,” head coach Stuart Welch said. “Best first half of the season energy and effort wise.”

Halle Hamre led Natomas High (2-11, 1-0) with 21 points and Ashley Davis added 11 points and sophomore Aliyah Thomas scored four points and grabbed 10 rebounds in her varsity game after the merger.

The Nighthawks host River Valley High School on Wednesday, Jan. 16.