7th Grade Boys Highlanders v. Scots

The Highlanders put the pressure on the Scots from the opening minutes of the game, converting steals into points and a significant early lead. The Scots battled back, with Drew Collins leading the Scots with 14 points and 4 steals. Connor Addiego had 7 rebounds for the Scots. Final score: Highlanders 53 - Scots 25.

7th Grade Boys Highlanders Beat Foothill

The Highlanders brought their record to 1 - 2 by tallying their first win, defeating Foothill, 54 -48. The entire team contributed to the effort by exhibiting good teamwork and reducing turnovers. Jordan Torio had an outstanding performance, leading the team in scoring with 33 points. Gordon Faust and Aki Ohtaka also got on the board with 9 and 7 points, respectively.

7th Grade Scots vs. Fifers

The 7th Grade Piedmont Scots jumped out to a quick 8-0 lead with Connor Addiego dominating the boards and the offense. They maintained the lead until the third period when the Fifers tied the score. Then, David Monica and Will Gustke established a new lead with several nice baskets. Good rebounding in the second half by Mingwei Samuel, Miles Kim and Douglas Wu stifled the Fifers attempted comeback. Final score: Scots 30 - Fifers 19.

8th Grade Boys Scots v. Fifers

The Piedmont Scots prevailed over the Fifers, 44-32, after a hard-fought game that included numerous lead changes, great team efforts by both sides, and made everyone look forward to a rematch on February 17.

The Scots jumped out to an early lead with Franklin Johnson and Luke Smith combining for 9 points in the first half and Chase Betta, Liam Schindler, Chris Rexrode, and Max Bocheff setting the defensive tone with high energy. The Fifers’ Tosh Meyers, Ryan Castle, and Louis Kharsa helped keep it close with 11 points and Julien Cortez, Adrian Rufo, and Max Atchison provided strong rebounding and defensive support.

In the third quarter, the Fifers’ Meyers took over the game and was almost unstoppable. Scoring inside and out, he brought the Fifers all the way back to a 1-point deficit at the end of the third quarter despite 6 points each from the Scots’ Ben Krohn and Schindler.

The fourth quarter belonged to the Scots’ Paul Kim. He scored 7 points, 5 rebounds, 4 steals, and managed to slow down Meyers just enough to allow the Scots to pull ahead and win the game.

Meyers led all scorers with 17 points to go along with 4 steals and 2 blocks. For the Fifers, Castle added 7 points and 9 rebounds, Kharsa scored 4 points and had 3 steals, Cortez had 7 rebounds and 4 blocked shots, Atchison had 4 rebounds, and Rufo had 3 steals.

Krohn led the Scots with 12 points and 6 rebounds. Smith (who had 2 assists) and Kim each scored 8 points and Kim added 8 steals. Schindler scored 6 points and pulled down 9 rebounds, Betta scored 5 points to go with 6 rebounds, and Johnson had 5 points.

8th Grade Girls Scots Win Championship

Semi-Final game: Scots 34 - Moraga 23

After going undefeated in the regular season, the Piedmont 8th grade girls Scots completed a perfect season by winning the post-season tournament championship on Saturday, January 22, 2011. As regular season champ, Piedmont earned a Bye and advanced to the semi-finals against Moraga. Trailing at the half, the team outscored their opponents 14-3 in the third quarter and never looked back. MVP Nicole Cosares led the team to their 34 – 23 victory with 19 points, 9 rebounds and 7 steals; Remy Afong had 9 points and Claire Schane, Sydney Rennels, Johanna Rapport and Noelle Lautt contributed rebounding and strong defense.

Championship game: Scots 32 - Carquinez 27

In the championship game versus Carquinez, the lead changed hands many times through the first 3 quarters of play. With the score tied at 25 going into the 4th quarter, Nicole Cosares once again took over. Aided by Noelle Lautt at point guard with 5 assists, 7 points and 9 rebounds, Cosares put in another game high at 13 points, including two late game 3-pointers, 8 steals, and 6 rebounds, and Sydney Rennels contributed 10 points and 9 rebounds of her own. In the 4th quarter Schane, Afong and Rapport contributed to a stifling defense, limiting Carquinez to just two points to seal the victory by a final score of 32-27.

7th Grade Girls Highlanders Take Second Place in Martinez Basketball Tournament

With amazing defense and a skilled passing game, the 7th Grade Girls Highlanders -- coached by Matt Kirby and Marikah Woodson -- topped off a successful season by playing in the Martinez Jr. High School Invitational Basketball Tournament championship game.

The road to the championship game started with a 37-17 win over Joaquin Moraga. Malorie Han and Sydney Boxer had 11 and 10 points, respectively, in the Highlanders’ win against the Marauders. Rebecca Harris scored 6 points, and Tess Olcott made key passes for several assists.

In their second game, the Highlanders battled the Albany Cobras for a berth in the championship game. Although the Highlanders seemed to be in control, they still found themselves down by one point as they neared half-time. Mika Lee drew the foul and went to the line to tie it up, only to have Albany respond with another bucket before the buzzer. Top scorer Kelsey Fennell showed her prowess with 11 points, while the Cobras had to fight for every point against outstanding defense by Hana Elabed, Jane Kingston and Genna Williamson. Nicole Bilorusky and Caroline James added to the scoreboard as well, as the Highlanders finally pulled away in the second half to win, 27-21.

With two wins in the tournament, the Highlanders (8-2 for the season) faced Stanley Middle School (9-1) in the championship game. The Highlanders had been the only team to defeat Stanley during the season, so this was an exciting re-match for both teams. The Highlanders traded the lead and stayed within a couple points of Stanley until the final quarter when they fell behind by 10 points with two minutes remaining. Piedmont turned on their trademark defense to force some key turnovers to close the gap, bringing them within 2 points with 9 seconds left in the game. Although the Highlanders had possession and a chance to score, the ball did not find its way into the hoop, and the final buzzer went off before the Highlanders could tie the game. Final score: Highlanders 22, Stanley 24.

Kelsey Fennell and Malorie Han were named All-Stars for the tournament.

8th Grade Girls Highlanders in Consolation Game at Martinez Basketball Tournament

The 8th Grade Girls Highlanders concluded their season with a dramatic finish at the Martinez Jr. High School Invitational Tournament. The Highlanders suffered a loss in the first round to the host team, the Martinez Bullpups, 15-54. Madie Eidam and Clare Keating led in scoring, with top rebounder Claire O'Conner providing support on both ends of the court.

Piedmont faced Albany in the second game, where the Cobras fought relentlessly in search of their first win against the Highlanders. The teams battled to a first quarter tie, 7-7, with Piedmont taking the halftime lead, 18-13. Albany came back in the third to take the lead, 24-23. Piedmont's top scorer, Eidam, and second leading scorer, Keating, made critical baskets in the fourth quarter to win the game, 36-29. Clare Keating scored 11 with 4 assists, made 6 rebounds, and blocked 3 shots. Madie Eidam again was top scorer with 12 points, blocked 4 shots, made 5 rebounds, and stole twice. Lindsey Vaughn scored 7 and also blocked 4 shots. Sydney Williams made 6 rebounds, and Sarah Mooney scored 2 with 2 assists, and 5 rebounds. Kerry Krohn had an assist and a steal.

The Highlanders went up against Berkeley King for the consolation game, and put on another great show for the fans as the game went into double overtime to determine the winner. King took an early lead, ending the first quarter 4-10. Piedmont came back to lead the second quarter, 19-17, and held on to end the third quarter 26-25. The stands were roaring as the game ended tied at 37. After a scoreless overtime period, the Highlanders headed into double overtime. King hit some key shots from the floor and at the free throw line to win the Piedmont heartbreaker, 45-40. Lindsey Vaughn scored an impressive 17, blocking 6 shots, and stealing 3 times. Clare Keating scored 11 with 2 assists, made 12 rebounds, and blocked 5 shots. Sarah Mooney scored 5, had an assist, and made 4 rebounds. Sydney Williams had 10 rebounds and 3 points. Madie Eidam made 12 rebounds and 4 steals. Maddie Baum scored 2 and had 3 rebounds.

8th Grade Boys Highlanders v. Longfellow Middle School

The 8th grade Highlanders fell to a tough and fast Longfellow basketball team on January 20, losing 32 - 16. The Highlanders stayed close, ending the half down 9-13, but tight defense from Longfellow turned the momentum in the 3rd quarter. Dylan McBirney was top scorer with 5 points and Graham Low added a long 3-pointer. Nathaniel Lowhurst and Nathan Kruger led in rebounds.

7th Grade Boys Highlanders Face Stanley in Season Opener

The Highlanders went toe-t0-toe with Stanley in their first game of the season on January 19. Piedmont lit up the scoreboard with three-pointers from Jordan Torio, Gordon Faust, Kyle Bilorusky and Nate Tolles. Aki Ohtaka and Jimmy Roach gave the Highlanders a strong presence on the boards. Torio was top scorer with 16 points. Piedmont kept it close all the way, but lost by six points. Final score: Piedmont 36 - Stanley 42.

7th Grade Boys Scots v. Stanley

Point guard David Monica handled the ball well in the 7th Grade Scots season opener on January 19 against Stanley. Despite a good effort against a tough opponent, the Scots lost the game 15 – 41. Drew Collins was higher scorer, with good support from Connor Addiego and Mingwei Samuel on both ends of the court.

8th Grade Boys Fifers v. Edna Brewer Middle School

On January 18th, the 8th Grade Fifers faced Edna Brewer Middle School. The Fifers faced an early deficit against Edna Brewer MS, but stepped up their defense in the second half and held Brewer to 5 points in the third period. Tosh Meyers had 11 points, Ryan Castle had a great assist to Julien Cortez, and Louie Kharsa also scored. Kharsa and David Lee fought for some tough rebounds. The scoring gap proved to be too much, however, with the Fifers losing 15-50.

8th Grade Girls Scots Remain Undefeated

The 8th Grade Girls Scots basketball team ended an undefeated season by easily handling Prospect Sierra with a score of 21-9. Nicole Cosares led the team with 8 points, 11 rebounds and 6 steals, and strong support from Noelle Lautt and Maya Kiruluta. Point guard Remy Afong controlled the tempo while Johanna Rapport contributed 5 steals on the defensive end.

The undefeated Scots are favored to win the post season tournament taking place at Morrison gym on January 22, 2011. The Scots first game is at 10:15 am on Saturday, January 22, 2011.

8th Grade Girls Highlanders End Season 3-7 with Win Over Albany, 30-14

In spite of the paralyzing number of fouls called on the Albany court, Piedmont outperformed the Cougars in every quarter to win. Kerry Krohn had her best game of the season, scoring 8, and delivered an assist, 3 defensive rebounds, and 2 steals. Madie Eidam scored 8 with 6 defensive rebounds and 3 steals. Sarah Mooney scored 6 with an assist and 4 defensive rebounds.

7th Grade Girls Highlanders Beat Albany Cobras

The 7th Grade Piedmont Highlanders girls basketball team put another win on the board January 12th. The Cobras commanded the first half of the game scoring three unanswered baskets in the first few minutes of the game, but the Highlanders wouldn't give up. In the second quarter a key pick and roll play with Tess Olcott and Kelsey Fennell resulted in a burst of momentum for the Highlanders which they carried over into the second half. The Highlanders controlled the second half with great offense and measured defense, Sydney Boxer scored three baskets in a row with one of them being a beautiful three-pointer from the corner. Final score: Piedmont 29 - Albany 26.

8th Grade Highlanders Lose to Lincoln 21-33

Piedmont ended the first quarter 2-13 setting up the challenge for the rest of the game. The Highlanders played as well as Alameda the rest of the game but could not close the gap. Madie Eidam scored 7 and was top rebounder. Lindsey Vaughn scored 6, Clare Keating scored 4, and Claire O'Conner and Sarah Mooney each scored 4 and had 4 rebounds. Sydney Williams played strong defense.

7th Grade Girls Highlanders defeat Stanley 27-24 in Lafayette

The first game of the year showed a determined 7th grade Highlanders team where every player was on their toes and contributed to the win. Kelsey Fennel led the team with 8 points, numerous blocks and rebounds. Caroline James scored 7 points with assists by Hana Elabad who also sunk a basket. Tess Olcott, Malorie Han, Rebecca Harris and Nicole Bilorsky also landed shots. The defense was dominant with rebounds and steals by Mika Lee, Jane Kingston, Hana Elabad and Malorie Han.

8th Grade Girls Basketball Scots Beat Longfellow

Succumbing to the aggressive and physical play of Longfellow, Piedmont found themselves down 15 to zero in the first quarter. Rather than conceding defeat, coach Tadaysha Dewalt rallied the Scots to rise to the challenge. Led on both ends of the floor by Nicole Cosares who simply would not be denied, the Scots held Longfellow scoreless in the second and third quarters and chipped away at the lead. Balanced scoring from Maya Kiruluta, Sydney Rennels and Noelle Lautt, and great defense from Johanna Rapport and Remy Afong allowed the Scots to pull away for a seemingly impossible come-from-behind victory. Final score: Piedmont 24 - Longfellow 19

Stanley Sustains Lead to Defeat 8th Grade Girls Highlanders 19-25

Battling hard in a physical game against Stanley, the Highlanders came close to victory with a fourth quarter comeback, but ultimately lost 19-25. Clare Keating and Madie Eadam led the team in scoring with 5 points apiece, with Keating also leading in rebounding and Eadam in steals. Sydney Williams and Sarah Mooney gave the team a boost on the boards with 5 and 4 rebounds, respectively.

7th Grade Girls Basketball Scots v. Longfellow

Although the scrappy Piedmont 7th grade girls Scots basketball team was pretty seriously overmatched by the Longfellow team, the Scots never gave up. "Each and every girl played with desire, hustle and heart, from the tip-off to the final buzzer," said Coach D Minor with warm appreciation. Despite the 37-20 loss, the girls showed they had learned this year to play hard, work as a team, and have fun. Their fans certainly had fun watching them play their most exciting basketball of the year!

8th Grade Girls Basketball Scots v. Moraga

Nicole Cosares led all scorers and rebounders with 8 and 8 respectively. Piedmont pulled away from Moraga in the 4th quarter to win, with a balanced scoring attack that saw Noelle Lautt score 5, Sydney Rennels score 4, Remy Afong score 4, and Maya Kiruluta score 2, and strong defensive play by Claire Schane and Johanna Rapport paced the Scots. Final score: Piedmont 22 - Moraga 17

Martinez Bullpups Maul 8th Grade Girls Highlanders 13-47

Piedmont struggled the entire game after the return from the holiday break. Lindsey Vaughn was top scorer with 5 points. Clare Keating scored 4, and led the team in rebounds and blocked shots. Madie Eidam scored 3.