WHITTIER, Calif. (Feb. 8, 2023) - Rhe Nae Leach and Lainie James each recorded career highs in points (31 apiece) Wednesday night, keying an 83-72 home victory over the Redlands Bulldogs, who entered the contest 11-2 and in second place in the SCIAC. Watch the game highlights HERE.

Leach came within two assists of a triple-double (31 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists), also contributing three steals. The sophomore guard narrowly trails Julia Strand of Chapman for first in the conference in scoring average at 20.7 points per game. Wednesday's performance marked Leach's third 30+-point game this season and second in as many games. It was also her fifth double-double of the 2022-23 campaign.

"My mindset was the same (as always): do everything I can to help my team win," Leach said. "And I did exactly that." 

In addition to posting her career high in points, James notched career highs in assists (six) and made three-pointers (six).

"It was Lainie showing people who she really is," Leach said of her teammate's performance. "We all saw it in her...she just had to see it in herself. I trust every game that she's going to have my back."

The senior forward from La Habra said the key factor in the win was "locking into (their) defensive principles." 

"We lack height right now, and we knew Redlands would come with both of their six-foot+ girls," James said. "Our goal was to limit their points in the paint, and we achieved that as a team." 

James was right, as Whittier matched Redlands in point paints with 34 apiece.

The game featured 11 lead changes and four ties, with Redlands' largest lead coming by five at the 2:05 mark of the first quarter. Whittier led for most of the game, but Redlands kept the game close until late. Each time the Bulldogs appeared to turn a corner, Whittier hit a big shot to reclaim momentum. In addition to clutch shots from stars of the game Leach and James, Natalia Williams, Bella Robles, Citlalli Gurrola and Kailynn Tuck each hit key shots in the second half for the Poets.

Lizzie Scriven had four assists and five steals against Redlands, and she and Leach are now tied for second in the SCIAC in steals per contest.

Gurrola sank two three-pointers, totaling seven points, and Robles chipped in three blocks.

The dynamic duo of Leach and James scored 35 of their 62 points in the second half. James had 18 in the second half, while Leach scored 17 in the final two quarters.

"It's difficult to come from a season like this and beat a strong team, but we've always been capable of it," James said. "My confidence comes from my team and the plays they make for me and themselves...We needed a game like this just to show us how good we really are when we play from our principoles and execute with energy and focus."

"We definitely focused on executed and trusting one another to make smart decisions," Leach added.

Collectively, the Poets shot 50% from deep, draining 11 of their 22 long-range attempts.

Whittier returns home Saturday at 2 p.m. for the final time this season when it celebrates Scriven and Kyra Davis on Senior Day. James and Robles are also academic seniors, but both are expected to return to the team next season. See you there as we "Pac" the GAC!

Photo: Tony Leon/ActionWestPhotography.com

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