Edison spreads around scoring touch

Reporting from Brea —  In its season opener, the Edison High girls’ basketball team received a 26-point performance from returning starter Ashley Niemand.

The Chargers rode the big game from their center to victory, but Edison coach Sara Brown knows very well that the rest of the team has very limited experience, at least at their current school.

Edison’s starting lineup for Wednesday’s game against Hesperia reflected that fact. Power forward Finley Garnett (transferred from Estancia last season) played about a dozen games in a Chargers uniform going back to the start of Sunset League play last year.

Point guard Gabby Samiy and shooting guard Hope Nguyen were coming off the bench, relegated to a time share at their positions in the 2016-17 campaign.

The others, Lainey Johnson and Lauren Schuck, had no prior varsity experience coming into this season.

And yet, the Chargers are starting the season on a high note. Edison defeated Hesperia 44-30 in the Brea Olinda Ladycat Classic.

Samiy had a game-high 16 points to go with six rebounds. Three of her four three-pointers on the night came in the first quarter.

“I came out with confidence, and I just kind of went with it,” Samiy said. “I definitely was on fire for a little bit.”

Nguyen tacked on 14 points with three steals. Her four points in the final period were crucial, as the senior guard scored on back-to-back layups in transition.

Prior to Nguyen’s fastbreak baskets, Hesperia had narrowed a 37-22 Edison lead to 39-30 with 5:43 remaining.

It was an off night for Niemand (three points and four rebounds), who saw the floor for just a few minutes in total before fouling out.

Garnett stepped up for the Chargers (2-0), making contributions across the board. The senior forward had 10 points, 14 rebounds, four steals and three assists.

“We just learned that we have to take the place of another and we have to step up,” Garnett said of all the new faces playing for Edison. “We have a few players coming off the bench that are very aggressive and can help out with that.”

Brown has her attention completely geared toward the defensive end of the court right now. To that end, the Chargers coach appreciates the energy that Garnett brings to her team.

“She’s an animal,” Brown said of Garnett. “She’s extremely athletic. She can jump and run. She makes up for a lot just by being athletic.”

Shelby Schuesler, a guard, likely would have been one of the Chargers’ primary options on the offensive end this season, but she transferred to Huntington Beach for her sophomore year.

Samiy played well in a starting role, one she says she was prepared for when playing with a number of transfers over the last two seasons.

“It’s a great opportunity,” Samiy said. “I think that because of the fact that for two years straight, we’ve had over six or seven transfers and fewer returners, we’ve gotten used to working as a team.”

Samiy, Nguyen and Garnett all stepped up with double-digit scoring efforts with Niemand unable to get herself established in the game. Brown says that aspect of the team is exciting.

“We have a lot of girls that can score,” Brown said. “Usually, multiple players are scoring on our team.

“[Samiy is] a streaky player. She plays hard. She’s very dynamic for us. She can do a lot of things. She can rebound, run the floor, play defense, and hit shots. When she’s hot, she’s hot.”

Anna Bentley had 13 points to lead the Scorpions (0-2). Alliyaa Ortiz added nine points and five rebounds, and Heavens Bonner chipped in with seven points and four rebounds.

Edison will play Santa Margarita (2-0) on Thursday at 6 p.m. at Brea Olinda High. The Eagles defeated Victorville Victor Valley 45-27 on Wednesday.

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Edison 44, Hesperia 30

SCORE BY QUARTERS

Hesperia 12 – 10 – 1 – 7 — 30

Edison 16 – 14 – 7 – 7 — 44

H – A. Bentley 13, Alli. Ortiz 9, Bonner 7, Ally. Ortiz 1.

3-pt. goals – A. Bentley 3.

Fouled out – Porter.

Technicals – None.

E – Samiy 16, H. Nguyen 14, Garnett 10, Niemand 3, E. Nguyen 1.

3-pt. goals – Samiy 4, H. Nguyen 1.

Fouled out – Niemand.

Technicals – None.

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