Katie Parady, front left, Taylor Nethery, Rylee Friddle, Kennedy Hampton, Taryn Giacomelli, Ronnie Merrill, Acelyn McCullough and Grace Heimbigner pose with coach Mike Giacomelli after playing undefeated at the Battle for the North State Tournament. Not pictured are Autry Satica and coach Doug Satica. Photo submitted

Triple Threat eighth-grade girls bring home championship

On Saturday, April 22 and Sunday, April 23, the Triple Threat eighth-grade girls’ team poured a tremendous amount of passion on the courts in Redding, California for the Battle for the North State Tournament sponsored by Shasta Magic.

The first opponent for Triple Threat was Colusa County Elite. With a great show of teamwork and communication, Triple Threat won the game with a final score of 47-13.

Game two pitted Triple Threat against the North Valley Vipers. The Lassen County girls managed to score more than before and closed the game with a winning score of 52-35.

Triple Threat closed with a game against U-Prep from Redding. The close score was maddening throughout the game, but Triple Threat ultimately ended up on top with a 47-40 score.

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Three wins and no losses resulted in the Triple Threat ladies bringing home the championship title.

Coach Mike Giacomelli said, “These girls played their hearts out this weekend.  The thing that impressed me the most was how we were able to adjust in transition to a variety of defenses.  The opposing teams just couldn’t make the adjustments needed to score.

“We executed three different press defenses to perfection totaling 71 steals in 3 games!  This is a very fast team that loves to press.  It will be exciting to see these girls play at Lassen High School.”

Giacomelli explained that he and Doug Satica have coached many of the Triple Threat eighth grade girls for more than five years with an average of 30 games per year.

He also explained that the girls have grown in talent and skill over the years thanks to parent support.

Giacomelli expressed his pride in the girls and looks forward to their next adventures on the court.

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