Basketball Recap: Kayla Tanijiri Key Part of a Team Effort in Patriots Win

There's no place like home for Birmingham, who bounced back after a loss on the road last Saturday. They came out on top against the El Camino Real Royals by a score of 66-53 on Wednesday. Given the Patriots' advantage in MaxPreps' California basketball rankings (they are ranked 62nd, while the Royals are ranked 222nd), the result wasn't entirely unexpected.

Birmingham's win was a true team effort, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Kayla Tanijiri, who posted 16 points. Tanijiri's afternoon made it four games in a row in which she has scored at least ten points. Another player making a difference was Lili Martinez, who dropped a double-double on 11 points and 16 rebounds.

Birmingham smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 17 offensive rebounds. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least eight offensive boards in seven consecutive games.

El Camino Real lost despite a true team effort on offense, the best among them being Taryn Watrin, who went 7 of 8 on her way to 14 points and six boards. Laila Bowens was another key player, putting up 12 points and six steals.

Birmingham pushed their record up to 11-6 with the victory, which was their third straight at home. As for El Camino Real, they have also traveled a rocky road recently having lost three of their last four matchups, which put a noticeable dent in their 6-11 record this season.

Birmingham didn't take long to hit the court again: they've already played their next contest, a 65-25 win against Granada Hills Charter on the 16th. El Camino Real has also already played their next game, a 59-24 victory against Chatsworth on the 17th.