The Collegian

Issue date: 3/4/05 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Joseph Madar Naia Thomas tries to get around three Shasta defenders in the round two playoffs.

Look out Stockton; UOP may not be the only outstanding basketball program in town.

While most of Stockton's attention appears to be locked on the Pacific Men's meteoric rise into the national spotlight-and understandably so-the Mustang basketball teams are quietly advancing through the state tournament with remarkable ease.

Delta's Jennifer Layton had a monster showing Saturday night, scoring 33 points en route to an 88-53 thumping over the Shasta Knights at Blanchard Gymnasium.

Layton, entering the game as Delta's leading scorer, was equally imposing on defense, altering several shots with tireless effort that appeared to frustrate several Shasta players throughout the game.

"She's been our leading scorer, averaging about 15 points per game," coach Gina Johnson said after the game. "The last three weeks, she's been dominating with her transition defense speed."

At one point during the game, Layton stepped in front of a pass intended for an opposing player, split several defenders and sprinted the length of the court, setting up an easy bucket for an open teammate-not an easy feat considering Layton stands at about six feet.

The Mustangs cruised to a 20-6 start with 12:42 to play in the first half and never looked back.

Shasta stalled several times on offense, subjected to an intense Delta defense that visibly disturbed the Knights' ball movement.

On offense, Delta's inside-outside attack, with Layton as the focal point, was seemingly unstoppable. Six Mustangs hit nine three-pointers to complement Layton's inside game.

"Everybody was a unit, and we had fun with it," Delta's sophomore Kathreen Noa said after the game.

Noa, who had a monster block that injected excitement into the home crowd, converted on three treys attempts and finished with 13.

Cassie Butler and Chyanne Jacomini both scored eight points to help the 5th seeded Mustangs to victory.

Shasta's Elaine Degnan hit three three-point shots, finishing with 15 points to lead the Knights.

Teammate Ashley Schuler chipped in with 13.

With the win, Delta advances to the next round, where they will face Foothill College in Sacramento Saturday, March 5th at 7 p.m.

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