SACRAMENTO — Clutching a folded white towel to wipe sweat, coach Stan Delus of Etiwanda takes it personally every time his ladies’ basketball staff offers up a basket. He’s always exhorting gamers throughout timeouts to dig deep and play robust protection. He’s like a grasp trainer decided to get gamers to hear and be taught.
It’s virtually magical what his program has achieved. On Saturday evening, Etiwanda gained a file third consecutive Open Division state championship with 75-59 win over San José Archbishop Mitty at Golden 1 Heart.
It’s a 3 peat. Etiwanda wins its third consecutive state Open Division ladies championship with 75-59 win over Mitty. pic.twitter.com/gpwPCNHiXS
— eric sondheimer (@latsondheimer) March 16, 2025
The Eagles gained the Southern Part Open Division championship in 2022 with a 29-1 file, then got here the state titles.
“It’s the most amazing four-year run for a public school,” Delus mentioned.
It’s three-peat time for Etiwanda successful a 3rd straight Open Division ladies basketball state championship.
(Greg Stein for The Instances)
Etiwanda led 37-31 at halftime and prolonged its margin to twenty factors within the third quarter. Arynn Finley, a junior guard, was magnificent all evening. She scored 21 factors and made eight of 9 photographs.
“That’s pretty good,” Finley mentioned of her taking pictures prowess.
Etiwanda was environment friendly and efficient on offense, making 31 of 52 photographs (60%). Level guard Aliyahna Morris had 12 factors and 7 assists. Shaena Brew and Chasity Rice added 13 factors every. Grace Knox had 10 factors and 10 rebounds. The Eagles additionally held Mitty (27-4) to 30% taking pictures. Ze’Ni Petterson completed with 17 factors for Mitty.
Delus yells, “Up, up, up” so many instances throughout video games, attempting to get his gamers to extend their defensive stress, that Morris says, “I dream about it” whereas sleeping.
The Eagles (28-5) began the season dropping three of 5 video games, with some considering Etiwanda’s maintain on No. 1 was over. Delus felt in any other case. The losses had been a method to educate classes and persuade gamers they wanted enchancment. And enhance they did.
They had been overwhelmed by Ontario Christian within the Southern Part Open Division last however got here again to beat the Knights 67-62 within the regional last. Then Saturday evening, they defeated Mitty for the third straight yr with a efficiency so dominant that Delus was smiling at instances within the second half.
“We trusted the process,” Morris mentioned. “We had to grow as a team.”
Stated Delus: “We kept saying, ‘Keep believing in ourselves.’”
