Placer Hillgals' defense frustrates Yuba City in Foundation Game

The Placer Hillgals took the floor Monday night against Yuba City as part of the Sac-Joaquin Section's annual Foundation Games. Proceeds from the event go toward scholarship funds for the student-athletes. The outcome doesn't count on the teams' records, but don't tell that to the schools competing, as the energy in Earl Crabbe Gym was electric. Placer took an early lead and never wavered, stifling the Yuba City offense in a 56-39 victory. "I'm happy with the way we played, especially in the second half," coach Tony Camillucci said. "I thought our defense was way better in the second half. I thought we executed really well for this early in the season." Placer stormed out of the gate with a 12-0 run, forcing several turnovers and turning them into points. The Hillgals continued their hot start in the second quarter and used it to take a double-digit lead at halftime. Junior Amara Jackson had a double-double for Placer with 20 points and 11 rebounds. Addison Arsenith was second in scoring for the Hillgals with eight. Constance O'Neal was dominant defensively with five steals. "Yuba City plays a very good guard. And (Constance) kind of shut her down," Camillucci said. "She's so quick. She's the quickest kid I've ever had to spread and recover. And she just never runs out of energy." Arsenith and O'Neal were coming off running in the cross country state championship over the weekend. Camillucci said he feels their experience in cross country has helped the team with their energy coming off the bench in basketball. The Hillgals will be back in action Thursday night, Dec. 2, as they host the annual Coach G Memorial Tournament. "There's some confidence and momentum, and there's no easy games in our tournament," Camillucci said. "So we're just going to have to get in practice (Tuesday( and start grinding again." The opponent and time of Thursday's game has not been announced yet.