AUBURN - Alameda, California, capitalized on its size and player roster advantage to deal Foster a girls basketball 67-23 loss on Tuesday, Dec. 20, as part of the Northwest All-Stars Les Schwab Winter Classic.
Against the short-handed Bulldog squad, the talented Hornets swarmed the Auburn Adventist Academy courts to deliver deadly stings that would prove to be fatal to any Foster hopes of victory.
While successfully executing its inside-outside game, Alameda dealt out destruction on defense with steals while controlling the rebounds.
The Hornets flew to the first 15 points of the game en route to a 24-3 first quarter lead that projected out to the overwhelming victory.
Six-foot, one-inch junior Marie Bertholdt led all scorers with 19 points - 15 in the first half - while Geena Greene was also in double figures with 14.
Guard Bianca Benevides hustled on the court for 10 Foster points.
When Foster has all the pieces of its roster put together in January, the true nature of this talented team will be revealed in its full reality.
"We've been battling illnesses and injuries," said Bulldog head coach Datri Elliott. "When we're healthy we'll be pretty hard to beat. Definitely, playoffs. When we had almost everbody available, we beat Kennedy. It was a beautiful win that gave our girls confidence. We have three seniors (Sahara Hill, Chris Balangsang and Bianca Benevides) that are experienced. Junior Kirsten Goins just returned from missing three games due to sinus problems. Hill and Balangsang have severely sprained ankles and will be unavailable until January. These games give the younger girls a chance to get the feel of real game experience. They're learning that you've got to get back on defense and work hard to stay in shape on your own."
Seven players were in uniform for Foster on Tuesday.
Bulldog basketball will feature an up tempo style of strategy that can keep the opposition scrambling.
"It's a matter getting healthy and playing together as a team to build some chemistry," continued Elliott. "We'll develop the younger ones as the season goes on."
Eligibility will also be a factor as January and the beginning of the Seamount League season will beckon the return of more rostered players.
This season's Foster player roster features the previously mentioned athletes plus freshman Janaya Williams, juniors Lesieli Tapealva, Elmedina Zdionica and Priscilla Donkor. Sophomores Marquis Daniels and Bre Nills round out the players.
Brandi Travess is the assistant coach.
The girls' tournament featured Alameda, Auburn Adventist, Cleveland, Foster, Garfield, Kennedy Catholic, Oregon City, Potter's House Christian of Florida and Wilson of Tacoma.
Kennedy Catholic defeated Auburn Adventist 63-24 on Tuesday.
