Powerful Field at Anne Scott Tournament

The exhilaration of winning the Anne Scott Tournament hasn't yet worn off, even two years later, for the girls basketball squad.

The host Pirates were disappointed not to successfully defend their own tournament title last season, but coach Dave Yongue hopes that will be a motivational tool when Drake welcomes seven other talented teams for this year's competition.

"Two years ago, that was the first time Drake won the Anne Scott Tournament. This team still cherishes that victory," Yongue said. "I hope that motivates the girls to do a good job and to give themselves the chance to win every game."

The 23rd Anne Scott Tournament tips off today, with Drake hosting Ukiah (3-6) at 7:30 p.m. Also in action are Redwood (3-1), Terra Linda (4-2), Hercules (3-1), Petaluma (3-2), Ursuline (2-3) and defending champion Sacred Heart Cathedral (3-3) of San Francisco.

"Every game now is a challenge. The further we go, the tougher it will get," said Yongue, whose team went 2-1 at the tournament last year. "Sacred Heart and Ursuline are both looking stronger this season.

"Sacred Heart won last year, so they have to be the favorite. Ursuline has been really good the last few years and this could be their year."

Redwood takes on Sacred Heart at 3 p.m. in today's action, followed by a Terra Linda-Hercules matchup at 4:30 p.m. Petaluma opens against Ursuline.
The tournament continues Monday and Tuesday.

Drake (3-1) is coming off a 2-1 run at the El Camino Tournament, during which junior Darrian Cross scored 51 points. The Pirates will be without injured guard Lauren Narlock this week, putting more pressure on Cross and the rest of the already-thin Pirates.

"We'll see this week how they play together and how they step up," Yongue said.