Girls basketball playoff pairings announced

UNION-TRIBUNE

February 21, 2009

1. Poway
2. Eastlake
3. La Costa Canyon
4. San Diego
5. San Pasqual
[Full rankings to come]
16. Mira Mesa

Poway vs. RB rivalry heats up

The first round of high school matches between the soccer and basketball squads of Poway and Rancho Bernardo were real barn burners.
On Friday, Jan. 30, the Poway Titans hosted the Rancho Bernardo Broncos for a series of hard-fought matches which illustrated the teams’ long-standing rivalry.

The most exciting match had to be the boy’s basketball game, a frenetic back-and-forth encounter pitting two equally matched squads that wasn’t settled until late in the fourth quarter.

At the end, in front of a full and raucous house, Poway defeated Rancho Bernardo 67-57.

“Was that exciting enough?” Poway coach Aaron Little asked rhetorically after the match. “That’s just a typical rivalry game between Poway and Rancho Bernardo. It’s always exciting to the end.”

At the conclusion of the half, Rancho Bernardo was winning 30-28, but the Titans scored 39 in the second half and held the Broncos to 27.
Poway’s top scorer was Brian Kuklok, who shot for 19 points, although he had only four field goals (including one three-pointer). He scored 10 from the free throw line.

“That’s why he’s a great athlete,” Little said. “He can always find a way to score.”

Kuklok, a senior, was also responsible for a key rebound late in the game, and drew several fouls that allowed the Titans to add to their lead and seal the victory.

Senior Stephen Bonner scored 15 points for the Titans, Danny Woodley, a junior, had 12 and 6-8 freshman Sam Beeler had 11 points and 5 field goals, the most for the Titans that night.

Senior Brian Hogan had 23 points for the Broncos, making him his team’s top scorer. Senior Stephen Davis had 13 and 6-foot-8 Tanner Clayton, a junior, had 12.

RB Coach Jim Choe said his team was hurt because he had to pull Clayton — one of the Bronco’s key blockers and rebounders — out of the game for most of the first half after he racked up some early fouls.

But overall, Choe said his team had a great game, except for the score.

“We had 32 minutes of good basketball and we played well,” said Choe. “Unfortunately for us, they made most of the shots ... There’s nothing that I could have coached differently.”

Here’s a round-up of other games that were played that night.

GIRLS BASKETBALL

The Poway girls basketball team continued its winning ways, defeating Rancho Bernardo 61-25.

With the latest win — their 13th straight — the Titans are 20-2 overall and 4-0 in the Palomar League.

Still, Poway Coach Jay Trousdale noted that his team’s performance in the first half — which concluded with a score of 24-15 in favor of Poway — was lax, adding that his team needs to work on keeping up the pace throughout a whole game.

“We have to play well all four quarters,” Trousdale said.

Titan sophomore Katie Kuklok — the sister of boys varsity star Brian Kuklok — had 22 points and junior Katie Holiday had 11.

Bronco Coach Amy Peck said her team tried to stay on their game, but came up short against a good team.

Senior Cassie Wicoff had 6 points for the Broncos, junior Nina Scheepers had 5. Laura Winter, a senior, scored 4 and Brittany Adam, the team’s go-to shooter, had 3 points.

The Broncos are 7-14 overall and 2-2 in the Palomar League (they defeated Vista 56-47 and El Camino 46-43 and lost to Carlsbad 40-48).
Peck said the El Camino game has been her team’s top moment so far this season.

“We played very well,” she said. “We were efficient and we came up on top.”

BOYS SOCCER:

The boys soccer squads of faced off in a close match, as the rival teams looked to get out of the middle of the Palomar League pack.

In the end, it was the Titans, 14-2-3 (2-2 in league) who dominated their rival Broncos (6-4-3 overall and 1-1-2 in league) by a score of 2-1.
Poway Coach Gene Morris said his team was in a must-win situation. The Titans entered the game after losing two of their first three league matches back-to-back. (The Titans lost 3-1 to Rancho Buena Vista and 1-0 to Vista).

“For us this was a huge win,” Morris said. “We’re going to go on to build on this victory.”

Poway’s defense was able to overcome a tough onslaught from Rancho Bernardo toward the end of the encounter, including a shot that bounced off a Poway defender on the goal line.

Rancho Bernardo Coach Kurt Trecker said his team couldn’t adjust to Poway’s strategy of controlling the game with long balls.

“I didn’t think we played well,” he said after the loss. “Our big moments were the last 15 minutes of the game.”

The Titans scored the first goal in the 29th minute of the first half, as junior Alex Henry shot a cross to junior Dallin Hayne, who sank the ball into the Bronco net with a header.

“We went over that shot over and over in practice yesterday,” Morris said.

Henry also set up the second goal, arcing the ball in a short, high pass to junior Warren Ashcroft inside the goal area about 24 minutes into the second half.

Rancho Bernardo scored with two minutes left in the game, taking advantage of a stopped clock as Poway’s Zach Olow, a senior, was ejected from the game after drawing two yellow warning cards.

Junior John Shaughnessy scored the Bronco’s only goal.

GIRLS SOCCER

Rancho Bernardo’s girls soccer team came out with a 1-0 victory over Poway in a game between two evenly matched teams.
Bronco junior Domenique Hughes scored the game’s only goal with 10 minutes left on the first half.

The second half saw Poway trying to come up with a tie, the closest a zinger that was caught by junior goalie Keriann Nomura, a field player who has taken over the position this year to fill a vacancy.

“What you had here was a typical Poway versus RB match, said RB Coach Raffi Ruotolo. “These games are always played with emotion.”

With the outcome, Rancho Bernardo moved to 12-5 overall (3-1 in the Palomar League) while Poway is off to a 0-4 start in league (4-6-2 overall).

Poway Co-Coach Bo Nielsen said that while the loss makes it tougher for the Titans moving forward, the team still has enough time to turn things around.

“Jen (Lalor-Nielsen, the team’s co-coach) was telling the girls that they can still have a season like the San Diego Chargers did this year,” he said. “They can win one games, then two, then three and four and all of a sudden, we’re on a roll toward the playoffs.”

PREP BASKETBALL: Kuklok household stocks Poway with top hoops talent

By TERRY MONAHAN - Staff Writer | Friday, January 30, 2009 10:56 PM PST

POWAY ---- Brian and Katie Kuklok are unlike many siblings. Yes, they are close because they're family. But they are even closer because of basketball.
Siblings Brian Kuklok and Katie Kuklok, both Poway basketball players, practice in their backyard recently. Photo by Hayne Palmour IV - Staff photographer.
They play the game. They watch the game on television at every opportunity. And they talk basketball with each other.

Basketball has been ingrained in their lives almost since birth, and neither one minds at all. Parents Kierian and Julie met while playing basketball for the University of North Dakota.

They passed their love for the game on to their two children.

Brian, a 6-foot-4 senior guard, leads the Poway High boys basketball team in scoring this season.

Katie, a 5-10 sophomore forward, is the leading scorer on the Poway girls team. As a freshman, she helped steady the Titans after their leading scorer suffered an injury, keeping them on track to win the CIF San Diego Section Division I title.

"Part of this brother-sister thing is about us and part of it is about basketball," Brian said. "It has brought us so much closer than we might have been.

"Of course, we had a few fights along the way and I did beat her up a few times.

"There's no one I'd rather talk basketball with than Katie.'

Brian began playing as a second grader back when the family lived in San Antonio. They moved to Poway the next year, and Brian joined the Poway Basketball League.

Katie was forced to watch, developing her love of the game as she sat in the stands.

"She was the tag-a-long little sister,' Brian said.

"I couldn't wait for my turn,' Katie recalled.

Her turn came in fifth grade when she joined the PBL's Poway Titans. She was the only girl on the team of boys.

Katie played three seasons on boys team before switching over to a girls team in eighth grade in preparation for joining Brian at Poway High.

"Boys play more physical and intense, and I wanted to play that way,' Katie said. "I love roughing it up.

"I miss playing on the boys teams. I miss pretty much all of our JV team here. Those are the guys who were my teammates.'

Added Brian: "Having Katie play on boys teams was the best decision my family ever made for her. It helped her become a better player much quicker."

Last season, Katie became only the ninth freshman to make the varsity roster in coach Jay Trousdale's 20-year tenure.

She scored 12 points in her first varsity game, but mostly she served as a reserve in an 11-player rotation until senior point guard Vannessa Jamison tore her anterior cruciate ligament in the next-to-last game of the regular season. That's when Katie elevated her game to such a level that she became the leading scorer in the playoff drive to the CIF title.

"Katie stepped out of a pack of 11 girls we were playing,' Trousdale said. "In the semifinals, we called plays for her in overtime because she had the hot hand.

"Her basketball background of playing against Brian and playing on boys team paid off in the playoffs. She didn't back down at all."

No matter what teams they played on or whether it was before practices or games, the Kukloks continued playing in the backyard against each other.

That backyard gets almost as much use as the Poway gym. It's not unusual for Brian or Katie to shoot around by themselves before practice. Or come home after a two-hour workout and shoot some more.

"We just love the game,' Brian said. "Anytime of the day or night we can work on our game, both of us.

"If no one else is around, Mom will come out and rebound misses for us.

"There usually isn't a day around here without basketball.'

The pair don't play one-on-one much anymore. Katie claims to have only one win against Brian.

"And he wanted a rematch immediately,' she said.

"I probably just let her shoot too much that day,' Brian said. "When we play one-on-one, I win. When we shoot 3s, Katie wins."

Brian leads the Titans (14-7, 2-2 Palomar League) in scoring, averaging 23.4 points per game. He's also fourth in North County with 57 3-pointers and first with an 87.9 free-throw percentage.

Katie is having just as much success. She averages a team-leading 16.9 points. Her perimeter game is solid ---- she has 38 3-pointers this winter ---- as is her free-throw shooting ---- she makes 82.5 percent of them ---- a trademark of Trousdale-coached teams.

Katie is also a team captain for a Titans team that is enjoying one of its finest seasons, holding a 20-2 record and running away with the Palomar League.

"Last year was fun, and this year is even more fun,' said Katie, who tore the ACL in her right knee during a lacrosse games last spring but has recovered. "I guess I'm a leader by example, not by rah-rah.

"No one on this team cares who gets the credit, as long as we keep winning."

Contact staff writer Terry Monahan at (760) 739-6648 or tmonahan@nctimes.com.

PREPS: Rankings, Jan. 26

By NCT | Monday, January 26, 2009 9:08 PM PST

GIRLS PREP BASKETBALL POLL

Sportswriters/Sportscasters Poll

Position  Team   Record   Last Week

1. Bishop's 19-2 1

2. Poway 18-2 2

3. Mount Miguel 14-5 3

4. Mater Dei 16-2 6

5. El Capitan 19-2 5

6. Eastlake 12-5 7

7. Mt. Carmel 17-5 4

8. La Costa Canyon 12-5 ---

9. La Jolla Country Day 11-6 9

10. Cathedral Catholic 12-7 ----

Others: Our Lady of Peace (16-5), West Hills (16-5), Ramona (15-6), Westview (15-6), Steele Canyon (14-3), Grossmont (14-4), Montgomery (14-5),.

Compiled by North County Times staff with input from county coaches.

PREP GIRLS BASKETBALL: Titans' defense too much for Lancers in second half

By MATT NULL - Staff Writer | Wednesday, January 21, 2009 9:07 PM PST

PREPS: Rankings, Jan. 20

By NCT | Monday, January 19, 2009 4:08 PM PST

Girls basketball

(Not including Monday's games)

Rank Team Record Last Week's Rank

1. Bishop's 16-2 1

2. Poway 16-2 4

3. Mount Miguel 13-5 2

4. Mt. Carmel 16-2 5

5. El Capitan 17-2 3

6. Mater Dei 13-2 6

7. Eastlake 9-5 7

8. Santana 13-4 9

9. La Jolla Country Day 10-5 ----

10. West Hills 15-4 ----

Others: Our Lady of Peace (15-4), Steele Canyon (13-1), Grossmont (13-3), Ramona (13-4), Montgomery (13-4), Westview (13-5), San Pasqual (12-5), La Costa Canyon (10-5).

January 19, 2009

GIRLS BASKETBALL RANKINGS
Union-Tribune
Records through Jan. 18

1. Bishop's (IV) 16-2
 2. Poway (I) 16-2
 3. La Jolla Country Day (IV) 10-5
 4. Mount Miguel (II) 13-5
 5. Mt. Carmel (II) 14-4
 6. Mater Dei Catholic (IV) 13-2
 7. Eastlake (I) 9-5
 8. West Hills (II) 15-4
 9. Cathedral Catholic (III) 11-6
10. Our Lady of Peace (III) 15-3
  Others: El Capitan (II) 17-2, La Costa Canyon (I) 9-4, Ramona (II) 12-5, San Pasqual (I) 12-5, Santana (III) 13-4, Westview (II) 13-5.
  Division I: 1. Poway (16-2), 2. Eastlake (9-5), 3. San Pasqual (12-5).
  Division II: 1. Mount Miguel (13-5), 2. Mt. Carmel (14-4), 3. West Hills (15-4).
  Division III: 1. Cathedral Catholic (11-6), 2. Our Lady of Peace (15-3), 3. Santana (13-4).
  Division IV: 1. Bishop's (16-2), 2. La Jolla Country Day (10-5), 3. Mater Dei Catholic (13-2).
  Division V: 1. Vincent Memorial (10-3), 2. Calvin Christian (9-4), 3. Christian Life (10-7).

PREP GIRLS BASKETBALL: Titans win battle of familiar foes

No. 4 Poway survives against No. 10 Westview

By JOHN MAFFEI - Staff Writer | Wednesday, January 14, 2009 10:24 PM PST ∞

RANCHO PENASQUITOS ---- It's a game both teams want to play, but it's never a thing of beauty when Poway High and Westview meet in girls basketball.

"We know each other so well," said Poway coach Jay Trousdale. "We know each other's plays. The girls know each other and they know each other's moves.

"And the coaches know each other because we've been going against each other for the last 10 years.

Poway High's Katie Holiday tries to shoots over Westview's Ally Crocker during the 1st half at Westview High on Wednesday. (Photo by Hayne Palmour IV - Staff photographer)

"So it's always a tough, hard-fought defensive game."

And it was exactly that with No. 4-ranked Poway grinding out a 54-46 nonleague win over No. 10 Westview on Wednesday night.

Poway sophomore Katie Kuklok was the star, scoring nine points in the second quarter and eight in the fourth to finish with a game-high 21 points.

"Katie had two spurts," said Westview coach Bob McHeffey. "It was a product of our not being prepared and her taking advantage of it.

"Poway just has far more weapons with more-experienced players. And they execute well."

The Titans (15-2) led by five at the half and pushed the advantage to 13 at 41-28 on a Kuklok three-point play with 7 minutes, 19 seconds to play.

But Westview (12-5) cut the deficit to 46-41 with 2:40 to play with Melissa Peng scoring six of her 14 points in a spurt to get the Wolverines close.

"Then they switched defenses on us," McHeffey said.

And Poway quickly got the lead back to 11 with 1:10 to play to put the game away.

"I was in a bad mood the whole game because we didn't execute very well," Trousdale said after his Titans committed 18 turnovers. "What upset me was that we didn't execute the things we talked about for 2 1/2 days.

"And that's inexcusable. But both Katies (Kuklok and Holiday) played exceptionally well.

"And Brooke Gamble got out of my doghouse by playing well at both ends."

Holiday scored 11 points and added nine rebounds for Poway. Callie Rhoads scored nine points and grabbed seven rebounds.

Peng led Westview with 14 points while Denise White and Ally Crocker each added eight.

Kelly Haws grabbed eight rebounds for Westview.

"Both teams are in the middle of final exams," McHeffey said. "Mentally, there just wasn't that sharp a focus.

"It was hard to be mentally sharp when you're anxious to hustle home and study."

Staff writer John Maffei can be reached at (760) 740-3547 or jmaffei@nctimes.com.

PREP GIRLS BASKETBALL: Seasoned Poway turns away LCC

Defending CIF champs stifle Mavs in the final quarter

By TERRY MONAHAN - Staff Writer | Saturday, January 10, 2009 1:03 AM PST

POWAY ---- Big-game experience is hard to come by.

You can't simulate it in practice. You can't buy it. The only way to get it is to play a lot of crucial games in the postseason.

As the defending CIF San Diego Section Division I champion this year, the Poway High girl's basketball team has seen it all and then some.

The No. 4-ranked Titans withstood a stellar effort by La Costa Canyon in the first half before finally pulling away with a 54-37 nonleague victory Friday night.

Poway used a 30-11 burst in the second half to seal the win.

In a game that had six lead changes and had the score tied three times in the first half, with La Costa Canyon (8-5) holding a 26-24 lead, the Titans slowly gained the upper hand with a defense that smothered the taller Mavericks.

The key to the second-half surge came in the final quarter. With Poway holding a slim 44-37 lead with 5:17 to play, big-game defense came to the front. La Costa Canyon did not score a single point the rest of the way.

"The difference in the second half was defense,' said Poway sophomore Katie Kuklok, who had 11 points and five rebounds.

"The good news is that we scrapped our way out of trouble in the second half.

"That second half looked more like Poway basketball. You can have good nights on offense, but on nights like this when the offense isn't flowing you can always play great defense.'

The Mavericks also pulled down just two rebounds in the fourth quarter.

"You're not going to beat the CIF champs if you can't rebound,' LCC coach John Labeta said. "Poway is disciplined. They hit their free throws. They never get rattled.

"On film, they always have about a three-minute span where they pull away from teams. They did it to us in that fourth quarter.

"Hopefully, we learned something from this and we find a way to get on the other side of the playoff bracket from them.'

Among the key moments on offense, Poway reserve guard Ashley Inman hit a pair of 3-pointers, both at crucial times. Emily Lowe hit a pair of 3-pointers as well.

In the final quarter, Katie Holiday scored five points and Kuklok added four.

"We were very poised in the second half,' Poway coach Jay Trousdale said. "We're a smart team and we know how to win.

"Maybe we showed some nerves in the first half, but the good news is we scrapped it out after halftime. That's when you experience shows up.'

Callie Rhoads matched Kuklok with 11 points while Holiday had nine points and six rebounds.

Katelyn Rowe, a 6-foot-2 senior, and 6-3 sophomore Madisen Irwin both topped the Mavericks with nine points. Irwin also collected nine rebounds.

"You saw our experience at work,' Kuklok said. "It's taught us to stay composed in front of big crowds no matter what's happening, good or bad.

"We wanted to back them down on defense and we did that. Our stamina was there the whole game.'

Contact staff writer Terry Monahan at (760) 739-6648 or tmonahan@nctimes.com.

GIRLS BASKETBALL RANKINGS

It's sibling revelry for Poway's basketball teams with the talented sister-brother combo of 5-foot-9 sophomore Katie and 6-4 senior Brian Kuklok. (Charlie Neuman / Union-Tribune) -

POWAY — The basketball gene didn't skip a generation in the Kuklok family.

Kierian and Julie Kuklok, who met while playing for the University of North Dakota, passed on their skills and passion for the game to their children.

Poway High is forever grateful. Brian and Katie Kuklok lead their teams in scoring and have been instrumental in the Titans' recent success.

“They both work unbelievably hard,” Poway boys coach Aaron Little said. “They're the kind of players who come in at 7 a.m. and ask to open the gym.”

The Titans girls squad is coming off a championship season in which Katie played a key role as a freshman. With leader Vannessa Jamison sidelined by a torn ACL, Katie was the team's top scorer in the playoffs.

“Katie stepped up her game and helped us win the title,” Poway girls coach Jay Trousdale said. “I wasn't surprised, though. She's lived in a gym, playing basketball all her life.”

When not draining shots in the Poway gym or running the floor at the local LA Fitness, Brian and Katie can be found practicing in the family's backyard, which houses a basketball court, batting cage, trampoline and pool.

“We'll work defensive slides and quick-feet drives in the backyard,” the Poway senior said. “I'll guard her to work on overall defense.”

More than anything, the Kukloks practice their favorite part of the game – shooting.

The siblings frequently compete in free-throw and three-point contests. They have an ongoing battle to see who's the best free-throw shooter each season. Brian won last year by 1 percentage point, although Katie holds the record for consecutive free throws made in the backyard.

“They both shoot the ball very well,” Kierian Kuklok said. “She pushes him and he pushes her. I can't shoot like they can.”

The former collegiate player found that out firsthand. Brian has been able to beat his father one-on-one for a couple of years, but Katie got her first victory over Kierian this summer.

“She kept pestering me to play her,” he said. “She whupped me. It wasn't even close.”

Julie Kuklok doesn't get involved in one-on-one skirmishes or shooting contests. The North Dakota native uses her coaching skills, rather than her jump shot, to teach her children the game.

Julie is the daughter of a coach. Teaching is in her blood. She coached Katie's competitive AAU team for several years. Katie played with the boys before her mother helped start a girls team when Katie was in the sixth grade.

“It's been really beneficial,” Katie said of her mother's coaching. “It's just practice, practice, practice. I'll shoot and my mom will rebound for me.”

Surprisingly, basketball may not be the Kukloks' best sport.

Brian has drawn interest from colleges for his exploits as a second baseman, batting .364 for Poway's championship baseball team.

Katie, a state-class junior gymnast, was one of the top lacrosse players in the county before hurting a knee and missing most of last season. The injury might force the sophomore to concentrate solely on basketball.

“I definitely want to go play college basketball,” she said. “My goal is to play Division I, but I'll play wherever I can play.”

Wherever she ends up, Katie can count on her brother being her biggest cheerleader.

Amid his own team's postseason run, Brian made sure to attend each of his sister's playoff games, including the championship win over Bonita Vista.

“I was the happiest person in the entire world for her,” he said. “She really grew up in a stretch of four games. It was the most amazing thing I've ever seen. I couldn't have been more proud.”

The Kuklok parents' pride goes beyond their children's athletic prowess.

Kierian and Julie point out their children's success in the classroom as their most impressive accomplishment.

“Katie is a 4.0 student and Brian is over a 4.0,” Kierian Kuklok said. “They're both great students. Their mom and I wouldn't trade that for sports.”

Katie Kuklok
Poway -- Girls basketball

The sophomore was named the MVP of the Barona Southern California Holiday Prep Classic after scoring 13 points in a 56-53 win over San Diego in double overtime in the finals.


Callie Rhoads
Poway -- Girls basketball

The junior scored 16 points in a 56-53 win over San Diego in double overtime in the finals of the Barona Southern California Holiday Prep Classic.

PREPS: Athletes of the week

By NCT | Monday, December 15, 2008 9:07 PM PST

Callie Rhoads
Poway > Girls basketball
The junior scored 18 points in a 51-20 win over Patrick Henry and 21 points in a 54-33 win over Westview in the Bronco Invitational.

Girls hoops: New league, new opportunities

By Jose A. Lopez
December 10, 2008

It’s a new season for basketball and for Poway and Rancho Bernardo, that means some new opponents given the re-structuring of the Palomar League.

Out of the picture — at least during the league — are last year’s Palomar champion Westview and Mt. Carmel, winner of the CIF section Division II crown, as well as Torrey Pines and La Costa.

New opponents include Vista and Rancho Buena Vista, Carlsbad and El Camino.

The Poway girls team, the defending Division I section champion, should be among the top of the new roundup, while the exit of the Wolverines and the Sundevils may give the developing program at Rancho Bernardo a chance at a breakout year.

For the time being, both teams are taking part in the 2008 Bronco Invitational, which ends Friday in Rancho Bernardo.

What follows is an overview of the Poway and Rancho Bernardo teams.

POWAY

For the Poway girls basketball team, the 2007-2008 season was a banner year.

Coach Jay Trousdale’s squad used its depth, speed and accuracy to capture the school’s fourth CIF section championship — its first since 1995.

This year, the Titans are a bit shorter, and bit younger and they’re ready to do whatever it takes to once again thrive on the hardcourts.

Trousdale has four seniors, seven juniors and a sophomore. The Titans are returning eight players from last year’s team, but lost four seniors to graduation and lost Mariah Horvath, a senior, who has decided not to play basketball to focus on academics and volleyball.

“I think a lot of teams are underestimating us,” said senior Joanna Wheaton. “But even though we lost five seniors and we don’t have Mariah, we have been working very hard all summer and we’re doing what we need to do to be competitive.”

Senior Brook Gamble said that what the team doesn’t have in stature, it has in dedication.

“We might not have the height, but we do have the desire to be successful and we have the heart and that’s what matters,” she said.

Last year: The Titans entered the CIF tournament as the top seed with a 27-4 overall record (8-2 in the Palomar League, or second place). They won CIF by defeating Bonita Vista 50-46 and were eliminated after their first state playoff game.

Key players: Top scorer Katie Kuklok (Soph), who suffered a knee injury playing lacrosse but has since recovered; wing post Callie Rhodes (Jr.); post Katie Holiday (Jr.); point guard Kelsey Ciruzzi (Jr.); post Michaela Lentz (Sr.); guard Brook Gamble (Sr.); guard Ashley Inman (Sr.) and wing Joanna Wheaton (Sr.).

Also look for: Three girls being brought up from junior varsity: post Brooke Angle (Jr.); wing Shelley Tibbs (Jr.) and guard Kris Morgan (Jr.).

What could go right: The Titans are counting on an outstanding defense, said coach Trousdale, which includes running multiple defensive patterns. The team also has good shooting, said Trousdale, who said the team’s shooting abilities are among the best from a team he’s coached.

Challenges: With the tallest player at 5’-10”, the Titans must find a way to rebound against the taller teams in the league and beyond.

First league match: Wednesday, Jan. 21 at Carlsbad High School.

RANCHO BERNARDO

For Rancho Bernardo girls basketball coach Amy Peck, the summer brought big changes, primarily off the court, when she gave birth to her first child, a daughter born in July.

So Peck couldn’t be there during the usual flurry of summer ball and camps that prospective ball players go through in anticipation of the season.

“This is where we usually get the younger girls that are coming up into the program, and just really start getting their feet wet,” Peck said. “As a result, we’re a little bit slower in getting to where we need to be.”

The Broncos, who finished last season in fifth place in the Palomar League, are returning eight players and bringing in five rookies.

The upshot to Peck not being there is that the returning players — especially the seniors — gained leadership skills as they worked to keep things going, said Peck.

“I would talk to my seniors about them really taking on a leadership role that they didn’t necessarily have the last year,” Peck said. “And they kind of jumped in with a bang this summer because I wasn’t there.”

Now in her third year as varsity coach, Peck said she feels that she’s begun to establish a reputation at the school separate from her predecessor, RB’s current athletic director (and Peck’s high school hoops coach) Peggy Brose.

“I think the girls are now completely under my coaching style,” Peck said. “That transition, from being an assistant coach to being a head coach, takes a couple of years.”

Peck said the Broncos are looking for a breakthrough year after several seasons of rebuilding.

“Last year’s Palomar League was very competitive, and we’re really now taking the next steps to be a more competitive team,” she said. “We’re taking baby steps to get there.”

Peck said she thinks the team can do well, combining its young talent and veteran experience to keep advancing toward its goal of being one of the top two or three teams.

Last year: 11-17 overall and 3-7 for fifth place in the Palomar League.

Key players: Guard Brittany Adams (Sr.); point guard Cassie Wicoff (Sr.); post Laura Winter (Jr.); post Rachel Wiley (Sr.)

Also watch for: Three sophomores: point guard Courtney Reynolds; point guard and guard Madeline McIntyre; and power forward Madison Jones.

What could go right: For the Broncos a key to success in the court depends on how well the younger players can integrate themselves into the team and how well the entire team comes together.

Challenges: The Broncos still have a tough schedule up ahead in league, so they’re making sure they take on increased competition to prepare themselves for the upcoming season.

First league match: Wednesday, Jan. 21 against Vista at home.

PREP GIRLS BASKETBALL: Kuklok's 3-point barrage leads Poway

Sophomore forward finds range as Titans roll in second half

By MATT NULL - For the NorthCountyTimes | Thursday, December 4, 2008 5:43 PM PST

RANCHO BERNARDO ---- The Poway High girls basketball team has started the season right where it left off last season ---- winning.

After a sluggish first half, the Titans were able to pull out a 70-51 win over Torrey Pines in the Bronco Invitational on Wednesday night at Rancho Bernardo High.

Coming out of the locker room, Poway (2-0) held a slim five-point lead before forward Katie Kuklok hit three straight 3-pointers and the Falcons were limited to a bucket to give the Titans a 12-point lead.

The burst came after Kuklok couldn't find her shot in the first half. But the sophomore located it during the halftime shooting session.

"I got some open looks and my shot felt better in the second half," Kuklok said. "And after that momentum just took over."

After Kuklok's final 3-pointer, first-year Torrey Pines coach Amanda Polidoro called a time out to get her team back in the game.

"She hit the boards hard and played a good game," Polidoro said of Kuklok. "I also thought my girls did a great job of holding one of the best players in the area to just 15 points. We are young and we have to put all the puzzle pieces together."

Prior to her 3-point barrage, it was another Kuklok shot, with 2 minutes, 15 seconds left in the second quarter, that helped turn around a slow first half for the Titans. Down by three, Kuklok, Joanna Wheaton, Emily Lowe and Katie Holiday all hit field goals to give Poway a 25-20 lead that it wouldn't relinquish.

"She's playing well and she's healthy and we're happy with the way she is playing," said Poway coach Jay Trousdale.

It was only Kuklok's second game back after she tore her left Anterior Cruciate Ligament during the first day of lacrosse season last year. Kuklok said she sat out for five months and isn't sure she's going play lacrosse this year.

"That is still undecided," she said. "I want to play, but I just don't want to get hurt."

Holliday led the Titans with 18 points and Callie Rhoads added 13 in the win.

For the Falcons (0-2) Heather Serven had 17 points and Kristen Nasella added eight.

The Titans got off to a slow, frustrating start after missing several early shots.

"We didn't shoot what we were capable of," Trousdale said. "We also didn't play Poway defense and we allowed too many 3-pointers."

PREP GIRLS BASKETBALL: League-by-league outlook

By TERRY MONAHAN - Staff Writer | Tuesday, December 2, 2008 12:13 AM PST

In predicted order of finish

Palomar League

1. Poway (Coach Jay Trousdale. Last year: 27-4 overall; 8-2, second in league)

At a glance: The defending CIF San Diego Section Division I champion lost junior center Mariah Horvath to volleyball, but still has sophomore forward Katie Kuklok (5-10) and junior point guard Emily Lowe (5-6) as returning starters. Junior Katie Holiday (5-10), who set a school record last year by taking 19 charging fouls, must step in at center. Junior forward Callie Rhoads (5-9) and junior guard Kelsey Ciruzzi (5-7) have stepped in as starters. Kuklok, recovered from ACL surgery during lacrosse season last spring, and Rhoads are expected to increase their scoring this year.

2. Rancho Buena Vista (Coach: Pete Lafrance. Last year: 9-19 overall; 4-6, fifth in Avocado League)

At a glance: Four starters return, but only senior point guard Michelle Sjodin (5-6), senior center Kelli Nolan (6-0) and senior guard Marissa Limon (5-3) have regained their spots. The rest of the starting lineup is still up for grabs. Senior forward Kaitlyn Quigley (5-10) and senior guard Breana Hill (5-6) should receive significant playing time.

3. Rancho Bernardo (Coach: Amy Peck. Last year: 11-17 overall; 3-7, fifth in league)

At a glance: Having junior center Laura Winter (6-0) back gives the Broncos an inside presence as they try to use more quickness. Returning guards Cassie Wickoff (5-6) and Brittany Allen (5-6) should help, along with sophomore center Madeline McIntyre (5-10). Sophomore guard Madison Jones (5-8) or sophomore point guard Courtney Reynolds (5-7) should add some quickness to the lineup.

4. Carlsbad (Coach: Randy Bull. Last year: 13-13 overall; 6-3, second place in Avocado League)

At a glance: The Lancers return four starters in forwards Samantha Hoyt and Sonia Ramos, center Katie Shafer and guard Corina Hecker. Shae Walker figures to be the point guard this year for Bull, a first-year coach.

5. El Camino (Coach: James Greer. Last year: 11-18 overall; 5-5, third in Avocado League)

At a glance: For the first time in quite a while, the Wildcats lack size, so they will be trying to push the tempo even more. Junior guard Katrina Valentine (5-6) and senior forward Soliana Faapouli (5-9) return and will be joined by junior point guard Sarah Duray (5-6) and junior guard-forward Ashlie Washington as starters. The final starting spot is still up for grabs.

6. Vista (Coach: Jennie Dillon. Last year: 19-10 overall; 10-0, first in Avocado League)

At a glance: The Panthers will be without Angela Misa, who transferred to JSerra in San Juan Capistrano, leaving a scoring void that will be filled by several returning players, including the lone returning starter, guard Alexis Anaya (5-6). Desiree Robinson (5-6) takes over at point guard while junior forward Sydney Gathright (5-8), a transfer from Georgia, and forwards Tyne McClure (5-10) and Tia Johnson (5-8) will also start.

PREP GIRLS BASKETBALL: Top 20 players

By North County Times | Tuesday, December 2, 2008 12:13 AM PST In alphabetical order

Meghan Brown, Sr., G, Canyon Crest Academy

A good outside shooter to keep defenses from ganging up on Eckberg.

Jenny Cavallier, Sr., PG, St. Joseph's Academy

Last year's Frontier League MVP averaged 19 points, 11 rebounds.

Ally Crocker, Sr., C, Westview

Concerns herself with defense in the paint and rebounding.

Maggie Doremus, Sr., PG, Mt. Carmel

Four-year starter has three CIF patches to her credit.

Alisha Eckberg, Sr., F, Canyon Crest Academy

Has already scored more than 1,000 points in three seasons with the Ravens.

Wisdom Hodges, Sr., PG, Oceanside

First-team all-leaguer is battling stress fractures in both legs this year.

Katie Holiday, Jr., C, Poway

Must take over more of the inside duties; begins season after bout with strep throat.

Samantha Hoyt, Sr., F, Carlsbad

Was a second-team all-leaguer as a junior.

Alix Johnson, Jr., F, Mt. Carmel

Her value is as a slasher with the ball. Has committed to play softball at Arizona State.

Katie Kuklok, So., F, Poway

Could be one of the best forwards at Poway in a long time.

Victoria Lippert, Sr., F, Cathedral Catholic

Has improved every year since she was an all-leaguer at Rancho Bernardo in ninth grade.

Emily Lowe, Jr., PG, Poway

Her strength is running the show for the CIF section Division I champion Titans.

Brea Matthews, Sr., F, Mt. Carmel

Could be the key to the Sundevils' season after shoulder injury slowed her last year.

Elisa Minamide, Sr., G, San Pasqual

She's ready to make the jump from second-team all-leaguer this season.

Katheryn Owens, Sr., F, Ramona

Her rough-and-tough style makes it difficult to score inside on the Bulldogs.

Callie Rhoads, Jr., F, Poway

Showed signs of being quite a scorer after transferring to Poway last year.

Katelyn Rowe, Sr., F, La Costa Canyon

The left-handed shooter will play at the next level somewhere.

Michelle Sjodin, Sr., PG, Rancho Buena Vista

She could be even better than last year when she was a second-team all-leaguer.

Carly Voris, Jr., F, Mt. Carmel

Her play in postseason showed Sundevils she can contribute quite a bit this year.

Anna Wofford, Sr., F, La Costa Canyon

Is a good complement to Rowe on the other side of the court.

---- Terry Monahan

PREP GIRLS BASKETBALL: Preseason top 10

By North County Times | Tuesday, December 2, 2008 12:13 AM PST

1. La Jolla Country Day

The Torreys are loaded with talent again.

2. Bishop's

Could well win the battle with LJCD for the Coastal League South crown.

3. Cathedral Catholic

With Victoria Lippert on the court, the Dons have a chance to go far.

4. Mount Miguel

The faces change, but the Matadors are always CIF title contenders.

5. Eastlake

The Titans have battled back after falling off following their 2007 section Division I title.

6. Mt. Carmel

Four starters return as the Sundevils go after a fourth straight CIF section title.

7. Santana

Could win section Division III crown if Cathedral Catholic and Mount Miguel falter.

8. El Capitan

This could be season the Vaqueros end their 31-year CIF title drought.

9. Poway

The Titans are always contenders as they defend CIF San Diego Section Division I title.

10. La Costa Canyon

The Mavericks have enough height to be favored in the Avocado League.

---- Terry Monahan

Girls Basketball Players To Watch

Girls Basketball Top 10

PREP GIRLS BASKETBALL: Five games to watch

By TERRY MONAHAN - Staff Writer | Monday, December 1, 2008 2:09 PM PST

1. La Costa Canyon at Poway, Jan. 9

Could be a matchup of Palomar and Avocado league champions.

2. Escondido at Cathedral Catholic, Dec. 9

This game gives Cougars a good reading on where they are this season.

3. Mount Miguel at Mt. Carmel, Dec. 11

Both teams fancy themselves as potential section Division II champion.

4. Patrick Henry at Poway, Dec. 9

Improved Patriots will offer a good test for the Titans.

5. Mt. Carmel vs. Eastlake at Horizon HS, Jan. 19

Eastlake is a contender in Division I against the Sundevils, a contender in D-II