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Central Valley tops Oakdale
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Central Valley High School varsity girls basketball center Phylicia Martinez continued her late-season emergence with a monster game against Oakdale. The 6-foot-tall center tallied 19 points, 12 rebounds, two blocks and two steals during the Hawks' 53-45 victory over the Mustangs in front of a small crowd on Senior Night last Thursday in Ceres.

"I'm putting a lot of responsibility on her," Central Valley head coach Jesse Padilla said.

"I've been working harder at practice," Martinez added. "I'm trying to give it my all. I'm one of the youngest players on the team."

The win snapped a four-game losing streak for Central Valley, which now has company in the Valley Oak League cellar. The last-place Hawks and Mustangs have identical records of 2-10.

"The girls needed it," Padilla said.

Added Martinez: "It feels great."

Phylicia refused to take full credit for the victory, deferring to her teammates.

Junior Julie Calderon had 12 points, six rebounds and six assists. Senior Marissa Cabusas scored 10 points and grabbed 14 rebounds. Senior Latrisha Jordan totaled threepoints, 11 rebounds, five assists and four steals. Freshman Alyssa Long added five points and seven rebounds. Senior Brooke Davis added four points.

"Julie's an awesome guard," Martinez said. "If it wasn't for her, I wouldn't have made my shots."

Oakdale had three players score in double figures, including Alexis Drake (16), Cassandra Clark (14) and Raleigh O'Brien (10).

Central Valley will conclude its VOL season at Ceres High School tomorrow. The contest will begin at 7:15 p.m.