Falcons lose shooting star for one game

Wednesday, Feb. 9, 2005 | 9:26 a.m.

Foothill moved into fourth place in the Southeast Division on Tuesday with a 41-31 victory against Silverado, but it cost the Falcons a star player.

With two minutes left, Leah Thomson went down with an ankle sprain. Foothill coach Chris Sefcheck says the star will most likely not be ready for its final game at Liberty on Thursday.

"We've been preaching team concept all year," Sefcheck said. "One of the other girls is going to have to step up and play solid ball."

Sefcheck said the team may not be able to find someone who can score as well as Thomson, but it might be able to replace her with someone who can come in and play strong defense.

Thomson led the Falcons with 15 points and shot 3-of-4 from 3-point range.

Although Thomson will probably not be ready for Thursday's game, Sefcheck said that if they make it to the playoffs she will be ready to play.

With a win the Falcons will clinch the final spot in the playoffs, but with a loss the Patriots would get the edge because they won the final meeting between the two teams.

Silverado fell to 4-9 in league play and is no longer in contention for the final playoff spot.

The Skyhawks were led by Jessica Smith's 13 points and eight rebounds.

"We came out in the third quarter a little sluggish," Silverado coach Diane Hernandez said. "Our shooting percentage was down."

With 31 team forced turnovers and 12 points by Stephanie Delgado, the Cougars came alive to rout the Dragons, who were led by Lashay Brewer's 12 points.

Las Vegas closed out the regular season 18-6 (10-2) and clinched the second seed in the Northeast Division. Canyon Springs will play at Rancho.

Eldorado closes the season with Desert Pines on Thursday. Chaparral will host Valley.