Prep girls’ basketball: Lincoln’s season comes to an end in NorCal championship

After the Northern California Division lll regional championship game ended, Amy Avila’s voice was gone.

The Lincoln High School girls’ basketball coach saw her team win two one-score games prior to Tuesday’s final. Against Oakland Tech, it wasn’t easier. Her team overcame a double-digit deficit and even took the lead in the fourth quarter, but it wasn’t enough. The top seed in the bracket saw its Cinderella season come to an end with a 51-46 loss.

“I’m extremely proud of my team,” Avila said. “I knew after halftime they had it in them to fight back, which they did. Oakland Tech is tough and physical. It came down to the final seconds.”

Lincoln star junior Katie Leeth led the charge. She had a game-high 26 points, grabbed rebounds and blocked shots. Madison Barr-Zeltvay had seven points and Maya Hodge added five

This season was two years in the making. After only playing nine games during the spring and capturing its first league championship since 2000, the Zebras followed it up with the best season in school history. Lincoln reached the Sac-Joaquin Section Division lll final at Golden 1 Center but lost to Vanden 76-36.

The Zebras finished this season with a school-best 30-4 record. The team’s two losses came to Sierra Foothill League heavyweights Del Oro and Whitney in December.

Avila said that coming into the season she knew her team could make school history and make a run in the playoffs. They did just that. She also kept it in perspective after the game that her team was grateful to play in the postseason after there wasn’t one last year because of COVID-19.

“I knew this team was special during the offseason,” Avila said. “My senior leadership really helped. I’m so proud of them. Last year we only lost one game (during the shortened season). We had everyone come back. We really built off last season. The kids were excited to have a full season last year.

The coach added, “We were really grateful we had a postseason this year. We are (grateful) we are playing this far into March and made it to the section game at Golden 1 Center. We battled every game and the last three games have been tough. We figured out a way to win (in those games). Tonight we just fell short but I’m so proud. Definitely (memories that will last).”

Lincoln has seven seniors on the roster: Madalynn Biagi, Bobbie VanSant, Madison Barr-Zeltvay, Lauren Holcomb, Paige Davis, Trinity Market and Ashlyn Fernandez. Biagi, Barr-Zeltvay, Holcomb and Market were all captains.

The Zebras could very well be back here next season. They return a handful of players, including Leeth and some underclassmen.

“The girls look to her,” Avila said on Leeth. “I saw she was really focused tonight. She has been playing great all season. She works hard and has a positive attitude. I’m excited to see what she will bring next year and in the future.”

This story was originally published March 9, 2022 at 5:59 AM.