Girls Basketball: Broncos Knock Longhorns Out of State Championships

Senior captain Serafina Maulupe took control of Wednesday's game early and led the Lady Broncos past a stunned and bewildered Rancho Buena Vista team and into the next round of the CIF State Girls Open Division Basketball Championships, Division 1.

Maulupe and her teammates took a 20-5 lead in the first period and never looked back. At half-time on their home court, Vista Murrieta enjoyed a 39-24 lead as Bronco Coach Chris Jones utilized his reserves, playing the entire roster throughout the game.

“I want to make sure they all enjoy this great experience," Coach Jones said. "(It's) super for all them...this Division 1 bracket is the best of the best in the state."

Jones and his team are "thrilled to be part of it," and it showed as the Broncos enjoyed being back on court last night. Vista Murrieta never relented as its outstanding hustle and press defense kept the Longhorns down all night long.

Maulupe was scoring leader for the Broncos, with 23 points. She also had nine rebounds and was recently named the Southwestern League’s MVP. Freshman Jaelyn Brown scored 12 points, Tatiana Navarro eight while Leitasi Cravens and Brittney Reed had seven apiece.

Yuendie Guridi, Alexis Marshall and captain Alexis Rivas rounded out the Bronco offensive attack with six points each.

The Broncos outscored the Longhorns 36-26 in the second half as they cruised to a 75-50 victory.

This is Vista Murrieta’s first time in the State Championship Tournament in the school’s history.

“This doesn’t come often," Maulupe said. "We made history going to state. I am really excited. It’s just a blessing. We are just thankful to have this opportunity and are very excited."

Like Coach Jones said, "It’s time to enjoy the experience."

Vista Murrieta will travel to Long Beach to play Millikan High School Saturday night. The Rams won a nail-biter 46-44 over Clovis West in the opening round, are 27-4 overall and are ranked 16th in the state.