ANTELOPE, Calif. – Junior Yvonna Molodanof sparked a big first half as the St. Francis basketball team posted a 64-45 win over host Center in the semifinals of the Claude Brock Memorial Saturday afternoon.

“She had three threes in the first half and she played some very solid defense on their point guard which really helped us to get in the passing lanes,” said Head Coach Vic Pitton. “It created a lot of turnovers for us and I think Yvonna was a big difference maker today.”

Molodanof hit three triples as St. Francis (6-0) jumped out to a 44-17 lead at the break aided by a 26-point second quarter.

“It was nice,” said Molodanof. “I was open, got set and they went in. We were working together and our energy was up. We brought it to them.”

The Cougars opened the second half with an 11-2 run, forcing a SF timeout as the Troubies failed to put the game away.

“We played a fantastic first half but then we were as flat as pancake in the second half,” said Pitton. “I am sure there were a lot of factors. They have been challenged now and we cannot allow that to happen.”

Aliyah Williams had five second half points as part of nine point and eight rebound afternoon.

“I think I had the mentality to go hard,” said Williams. “I was focused before the game. I went into it thinking it was my game and I was going to do well.”

Center out-scored the Troubadours 28-20 in the second half, giving the team something to think about heading into a short break this week for finals.

“We had to have the mindset it was a 0-0 game,” said Williams of the second half. “We were ahead but we had to get back into it.”

Junior Kyra Huffman celebrated her birthday with another strong effort, scoring a team-best 14 points in the win.

“She has been working really hard,” said Molodanof.

Junior Angie Ortiz led the team with nine boards and five players had three or more steals, including four each by Molodanof, Ortiz and Janae Fairbrook, who also scored seven points.

 “We have to keep working together,” said Molodanof. “Our fast break is working really well.”

St. Francis will play the final of the tournament on a date to be scheduled due to final exams this week. It was originally scheduled to be played Monday night. The Troubadours will travel to Phoenix, Ariz., on Wednesday for the Nike Tournament of Champions.

 “Where we are going in Arizona, we can’t play 16 minute games,” said Pitton. “We need to play 32 minutes or as close to that as possible. Hopefully we can learn from that.”

Susie Rogers added 13 points and a team-best five assists in the win.

Claude Brock Memorial – Center High School

C – King 21, Afoa 10, Butler 8, Stark 4, Avalez 2, Bowen 2. SF – Huffman 14, Rogers 13, Molodanof 9, Williams 9, Fairbrook 7, Craig 5, Ortiz 3, Soloaga 2, Razo 2.