Amenta sparks SBCC women, 71-51

Brooke Amenta had a huge game on Thursday afternoon, leading SBCC to a 71-51 women’s basketball win over Solano in the first round of the prestigious 16-team Gilchrist Invitational at College of the Sequoias in Visalia.

Amenta had 22 points, 12 rebounds, four assists and four blocked shots for the Vaqueros, who improved to 6-1 — the best start in coach Sandrine Krul’s nine seasons.

“The offense was flowing and we had a lot of good inside play,” said Krul. “I love this team because everyone steps up and helps each other.”

Sara Crane added 12 points and five rebounds and Michelle Herrera scored 11. The Vaqueros, who led 34-23 at halftime, hit 5-12 from 3-point range. Courtney Houston had four of her team’s 18 steals.

When the lead got down to 12 with four minutes to go, Stephanie Salinas came off the bench and hit back-to-back triples.

Five of the top seven ranked teams in the state are in the Sequoias Tourney, including No. 1 Mt. SAC, No. 2 Ventura and No. 3 Fresno City.

SBCC will play unbeaten Sequoias (6-0) on Friday at 8 p.m.