SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Legendary college basketball coach Al McGuire once said, “The best thing about freshmen is that they become sophomores”. His quote referred to the growth progress of his youngest players and the St. Francis freshmen were a perfect example of the growth McGuire sought with his players.

Head Coach Tom Beam led his team to a 21-6 overall record that culminated with a 44-35 win at Folsom Tuesday night.

“It was actually a pleasant surprise,” said Beam. “From conditioning on, the girls gave us their full attention and every inch of effort. I could not be more proud of them finishing the season this way on a win.”

The 11-player squad came together quick during the preseason, winning three consecutive tournaments during the first month of the season. The young Troubies won the Kennedy Tournament on Dec. 7 with a 47-21 over the host school. One week later they brought home another trophy from the Bella Vista Tournament, winning with a season-high 65 points. They also captured the Chavez Tournament before losing the finals against Oak Ridge in the Del Campo event.

“I did not expect that kind of success,” said Beam. “The girls handled it beautifully. It was nice to see that confidence grow through that experience and an identity form with the girls. They did not have the most skill at the beginning. But they worked hard, played good defense and did everything we asked for as a coaching staff.”

They posted eight- and six-game winning streaks over the first two months, including a 44-38 victory over Christian Brothers in the Holy Court matchup, the only St. Francis team to post a win over CB.

Injuries slowed their production late in the season, while offering new opportunities to other players.

“It was the epitome of team basketball,” said Beam. “When we had injuries midway into the season, we had players step up. We got down to seven players at one point. We asked a lot of the girls that maybe did not get a lot of minutes at the beginning of the season. They stepped up.”

Clare Brennan led the team in scoring at 8.8 points per game, providing a post presence for the team both offensively and defensively. Guard Reina Deol scored 8.0 points per game, showcasing an three-point threat. Overall six players scored five or more points per game, including Savannah Tijerino-Santos (6.3), Ally Jeffers (6.0), Skyler Maccoun (5.6) and Steffi Kenne (5.0).

“What a good group of girls. They are a model of St. Francis student-athletes, young ladies and St. Francis basketball players,” said Beam.  “They are really close. It is fun to watch them win and lose together as a team.”