Holding a 41-31 halftime lead, the Jets looked one step closer to their first holiday tournament championship in several years. However, a Miramonte High School team, riding a five-game winning streak, would not be denied.

The Encinal High School (EHS) women’s basketball team came in second in the Jade bracket at the 21st annual West Coast Jamboree, a tournament held all across the East Bay. This year, the Jamboree hosted 160 teams from all over California. Jade bracket games were held from Dec. 28-30 at College Park High School in Pleasant Hill.

Miramonte (7-6) of Orinda used their significant height advantage to outscore Encinal, 41-17, in the second half en route to a 72-58 championship game win.

“We started strong and just weren’t able to finish as strong. We put up a good fight though,” said senior EHS guard Kavanti Brooks, who scored 19 points in the final.

Despite the disappointment, the team is still proud of their accomplishment.

“As a coach, all you ask for is your athletes to play hard and have each other’s backs. They did just that, and were able to win 2 of 3 games, even when we were out sized,” said EHS head coach Juanita Lyons. “Super proud of my girls.”

The Jets had three players named to the All-Tournament Team: senior Kavanti Brooks (16 PPG), senior Tatiana Rebanal (15 PPG), and freshman Jazzy Alcantar (9 PPG).

“I feel this tournament helped us build confidence and boosted the energy on the court,” said Alcantar. “I think, as a whole, we grew a lot in learning how to play with one another.”

Encinal started the tournament strong, defeating host College Park, 70-27, on Dec. 28, 2021. Rebanal led the way with 24 points.

“We worked really well as a team last night, and were especially in sync on our defense, which then led to a lot of fast breaks,” said Rebanal.

The Jets found themselves in a nail-biter in the semifinal. However, their 50-44 win against Head Royce of Oakland on Dec. 29 led them to the championship match.

“I feel I was pretty aggressive defensively. However, offensively I feel like I didn’t have trouble finishing and was able to read the court really well,” said Brooks. The senior guard scored 14 points against the Head Royce. Alcantar had 13 points.

EHS (3-4) hopes to build on their tournament momentum as they enter league play against Arroyo High of San Lorenzo on Jan. 7.

“It was very cool, and a very different experience than what I’m used to,” said freshman Surina Castro. “But overall, it was fun and I’m ready for the next one.”