Basketball Recap: Sierra Falls Short of Placer in the Playoffs

It's hard to turn regular season success into postseason wins, a fact Sierra can now relate to. The contest between them and the Placer Hillmen didn't end well, with the Sierra Timberwolves falling 46-29. While losing is never fun, the Timberwolves can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' California basketball rankings (they are ranked 619th, while the Hillmen are ranked 224th).

Janessa Barnes

Steals

02/18/25 @ Placer	6
02/13/25 vs Central Catholic	3
02/06/25 vs Oakdale	5
02/04/25 vs Manteca	2

Sierra's loss came despite a true team effort with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Janessa Barnes, who posted nine points along with seven rebounds and six steals. Barnes is on a roll when it comes to steals, as she's now grabbed two or more in each of the last four games she's played. Another player making a difference was Emalina Latu, who had six points and eight boards.

Even though they lost, Sierra smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 12 offensive boards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least nine offensive rebounds in 11 consecutive games.

Sierra has traveled a rocky road recently having lost eight of their last nine matches. That's put a noticeable dent in their 9-15 record this season. Placer's win was their eighth straight at home, which pushed their record up to 22-5.

Sierra does not have any more games scheduled as of now. As for Placer, they have already played their next contest, a 41-34 defeat against Rio Linda on the 20th.