SOUTHERN SECTION GIRLS’ BASKETBALL PLAYOFFS : Funicello and Alemany Send an Early Warning

NORTH HILLS — With a rejection of Westminster High’s first shot attempt, Carly Funicello of Alemany established her presence Saturday night.

It didn’t take much longer for Alemany to establish an insurmountable lead. The Indians scored the game’s first 12 points en route to a 65-34 victory over Westminster in a Division II-AA quarterfinal at L.A. Baptist High.

Pressure defense by Alemany (23-4) set the tone at the outset. Westminster was never able to set up a half-court offense or work the ball inside to 6-foot-2 post players Amber Farroux and Kristin Schult.

Even with a 12-0 lead Alemany, the state Division II-A titlist last season, was wary.

“We weren’t too ready in our offense in the beginning,” said the 6-4 Funicello, who scored 22 points. “They came out ready to play.”

Westminster (17-11) did rebound from its nightmarish start to cut the lead to 16-9 at the end of the quarter. But in the second quarter, Funicello had nine points on a variety of inside moves and the Indians outscored the Lions, 20-3.

Funicello held Farroux, the Lions’ leading scorer, to two points. Guard April Ramirez led Westminster with 11 points, most of them in the second half while Alemany was trying to run a different offense.

“And we couldn’t,” Coach Melissa Hearlihy said.

But she didn’t seem too concerned. The effort of her defense, which made Westminster struggle to cross midcourt for most of the game, was pleasing enough.

“We have not been tenacious enough on defense,” Hearlihy said. “But tonight our plan was to pressure the wings and we did a good job.”

Alemany forward Samantha Rigley, a Pepperdine signee, struggled and scored only seven points.