Harvard-Westlake girls basketball dominates second half in playoff win over Rialto

STUDIO CITY — Harvard-Westlake point guard Deana Thompson dribbled down the court at full speed late in the third quarter. Letting the defense collapse around her, she found sophomore guard Hollen Vann in the corner.

Vann lined up the 3-pointer – nothing but net.

The next possession for Harvard-Westlake, Thompson found another shooter in the corner, Keira Dhaliwal, and it was the same result.

Thompson’s two-way performance led Harvard-Westlake’s girls basketball team to a 71-45 victory over Rialto in the first round of the CIF Southern Section Division 1 playoffs Wednesday at Harvard-Westlake High.

Thompson had 22 points, and also found ways to get her teammates involved and contribute on defense.

Thompson said her drive and kick to Vann stood out amongst the night’s action.

“She (Vann) wasn’t feeling well today and I told her ‘you’re gonna make shots. just be confident in yourself,’ ” Thompson said. “That was a big highlight to see that I’m getting other players open, sharing the basketball and letting other people shine too.”

Harvard-Westlake (21-6) advances to the second round Saturday and will travel to face Santa Margarita.

Harvard-Westlake’s turning point came after halftime. The team tallied a 42-19 scoring run, highlighting adjustments on both sides of the ball.

Defensively, the Wolverines consistently switched coverages, ranging from a 2-3 zone to man coverage depending on the situation.

Head coach Alexander Nailes played a key role in determining the adjustments. Consistently roaming the sideline, Nailes always had a word of advice or tactical knowledge for his players when they needed it.

Nailes is Harvard-Westlake’s interim head coach, appointed in August after two-time state title winner Melissa Hearlihy’s retirement. After his first playoff win as head coach, Nailes focused solely on his players.

“I’m just happy for the girls, they put in the work all season. Their hard work, dedication and commitment to the team, the program, and the school is starting to pay off,” Nailes said. “When you’re playing with your backs on the wall it brings out either the best in you or a scared version. It brought the best out in them.”

The Wolverines had four players score double-digit points, showcasing both Thomspson’s ability to run the offense and the multifaceted effectiveness of Nailes’ system.

The teams looked evenly matched in the first half, which end 29-26 in Harvard-Westlake’s favor.

Rialto junior guard Jackie Polk notched 11 points, including a pair of 3-pointers.

Rialto senior guard Carrington Davis tallied 15 points. She relentlessly attacked the basket and got herself to the free throw line.

With Polk causing a problem for the Wolverines’ defense, Nailes’ solution was junior guard Madison Gillett. In the second half, Gillett never left Polk’s hip, going under screens and chasing her the length of the court. Her efforts held Polk to four points in the second half.

“We have to continue to trust the process,” Nailes said, “trust the work that we put in, and come out victorious.”