Lady Monarchs steam past Bakersfield

Sophomore guard Jordyn Jiron had a 21-point game.

By Kevin Khachatryan, Staff Writer

Monarchs Sophomore guard Jordyn Jiron admires a three pointer that goes in after being defended by Renegades Guard Laura Arciga for the final game of the western state conference season at Valley college on February 17, 2023. (Xavier Dubon | Valley Star)

The Monarchs went up by as much as 38 points against the Renegades Friday night, dominating their next door neighbors to win their largest game of the season 89-53 behind Jiron’s big moments.

Ending the season second place in their conference, Valley College women’s basketball (Western State South 12-2, Overall 20-8) got off to a hot start at home on Sophomore night against Bakersfield College (Western State South 2-12, Overall 7-21) in their final regular season game. Sophomore Jordyn Jiron finished the game with a triple-double, scoring 21 points, 11 assists and racking up 12 rebounds to help Valley go on a 47-22 run in the first half.

“It was a great night,” said Jiron. “I wanted to get the win for my team and put out a great performance for my teammates. It was a great season and I wouldn’t be able to do anything without my teammates.”

The Monarchs dominated up and down the court from the opening tip-off, building a 21-9 lead early in the game. Jiron scored 10 points in the first quarter, converting on two three-pointers and shooting a perfect 100 percent from the free-throw line.

The Renegades never cut the deficit to single digits as they were outscored 24-12 by Valley. The second quarter saw Sophomore guards Jacqueline Privado and Dyani Del Castillo each knock down a three-pointer on two straight possessions to extend the lead to 19.

Monarchs sophomore guard Jordyn Jiron sinks a contested three pointer and Monarchs bench celebrates on their senior night during the final game of the Western State Conference season at Valley College on February 17, 2023. (Xavier Dubon | Valley Star)

Privado finished the game with three 3-pointers, sinking 42 percent of her shots from downtown.

“We expected them to mature as sophomores,” said head coach Monica Hang. “Our program takes pride in developing true student-athletes and people.”

Outscoring their opponents 42-31 in the second half, the Monarchs blew the game wide open as they looked ready to enter the postseason and continue the success they endured in the season.

Valley forced 13 turnovers and gave up just 12 shots made in the second half, while scoring on 16 of their shots.

In the fourth quarter, Sophomore guard Juliet Jaramillo nailed two three-pointers from the right side of the wing to keep the momentum and spark going for Valley to keep the 30 point lead.

The Monarchs spread the wealth to many on the roster, including Freshman guards Sofi Sargsayan and Isabella Blum who combined for 12 points and six rebounds. But it was Jiron’s performance that put the crown on the Monarchs’ monumental victory.

“Our Sophomore’s consist of the starting lineup and the sixth man,” said Hang. “They are the main reasons for our team’s overall success.”

The Monarchs will host Imperial Valley College to play their first playoff game against Imperial Valley on Feb. 22 at 7 p.m.