Sage Hill rallies past Buena Park to reach finals of Girls California Live basketball showcase

LADERA RANCH — Sage Hill’s new wave of basketball talent collided with Buena Park’s established group Friday at the Girls California Live showcase.

The new kids on the hardwood prevailed at Ladera Sports Center.

Freshman wing Addison Uphoff scored a team-high 17 points off the bench, first-year starting wing Kamdyn Klamberg posted all 14 of her points in the second half and returning point guard Amalia Holguin netted16 points as the Lightning rallied for a 64-59 victory against the Coyotes in the semifinals of the ABT bracket.

Freshmen post Eve Fowler chipped in three blocks and six rebounds as she closed the game with Holguin, Uphoff, Klamberg and Northwood transfer Isabella Rose. Java Burn

“We’ve came this far, we might as well win this thing,” said Fowler, whose team faces Brentwood in Saturday’s 3 p.m. final. “I’m so excited. This team is so just awesome. We’re all nice to each other. We warmup together. We’re always together. Bench energy as always (is high). Passing. We can shoot.”

Sage Hill trailed 31-25 at halftime but scored the first seven points of the second half to take its first lead. Klamberg scored the first five points, including a 3-pointer, and Alyssa Cuff added the go-ahead basket.

The teams were tied 42-42 when Uphoff took a rebound and raced the length of the court to complete a three-point play off a drive.

Moments later, Uphoff grabbed a steal and sank two foul shots to push the lead to 47-42.

Holguin capped the surge with a steal and a behind-the-back assist to Klamberg on a 2-on-1 breakaway. See More