Buena Gets Rematch, Routing Simi Valley

Buena High has used a common philosophy to build a rare girls’ basketball tradition.

“We know we have to play with our hearts,” said Kelly Greathouse, the Bulldogs’ sophomore center. “We realize any game could be our last.”

But Buena’s seasons don’t often end this early, and that trend won’t change this year.

Buena defeated host Simi Valley, 61-41, in a Southern Section Division I-A second-round game Wednesday to advance to the quarterfinals for the 21st consecutive season.

The Bulldogs (24-3) will play Huntington Beach Marina, a 68-41 winner over Riverside Poly, on Saturday at a site to be determined. Marina routed Buena, 60-39, last season in a semifinal, denying the Bulldogs a ninth consecutive trip to a section final.

Against Simi Valley, Greathouse, 6-foot-3, had 23 points and 10 rebounds and 6-2 Courtney LaVere added 14 points and 12 rebounds for Buena.

Senior guard Kelly Murray added 13 points and seven assists, many on nifty drives and dishes to Greathouse and LaVere.

Simi Valley (21-7) had an early lead before Buena went on an 18-5 run to claim a 22-11 advantage in the second quarter.

The Pioneers never got closer than 14 points in the second half.

Annmarie Turpin scored 14 points and Jamie Sturdivant added 11 for Simi Valley (21-7).