GIRLS HOOPS: Wildcats Ready For Rematch

Round 2 should be a slugfest as two powerful rivals prepare for a win-or-go-home showdown.

Marin Catholic rolled past St. Helena 69-50 Wednesday to open the North Coast Section Division IV girls basketball playoffs. The win sets up a rematch Saturday with Salesian in the second round.

"I'd like to play Salesian again. The last time we played them, we lost, but it was a great game," said Emily Easom, who scored a game-high 24 points for the Wildcats on Wednesday.

Marin Catholic lost at Salesian 59-50 on Dec. 29. On Saturday, the Wildcats will play on their home court.

"It's always great to play at home," Wildcats coach Rick Demartini said.

The No. 3 Wildcats (23-7) looked comfortable Wednesday playing on their home court in a game that was never in serious doubt. Marin Catholic scored the first seven points of the game and led 20-7 at the end of the first quarter.

Marin Catholic maintained a double-digit lead through most of the game. The No. 14 Saints (18-8) offered up a challenge midway through the fourth quarter before the Wildcats went on a 12-1 run to slam the door shut.

Riley Ford added 14 points for Marin Catholic and Erin Stewart had 13.

"Everyone played a great game. This was a win for everybody," Easom said.

The Saints pressured Easom early on, but the defense just couldn't keep it up.

"Riley and Stewart played a great game," Demartini said. "They came on strong."

Madelyn Densberger powered her way to 19 points and Holle Sepina had 18 for St. Helena. The dynamic Sepina threatened to singlehandedly take over the game until she picked up her fourth foul.

"That changed the way she played. That changed the game," Demartini said. "She's fast, she's an amazing player. We knew we'd have to find a way to slow her down."