Cards lose to Burlingame, then Branson

Santa Cruz High fell Thursday 58-45 to Burlingame High despite the efforts of the usual Cardinal twosome: sophomore Kaijae Yee-Stephens scored 20 and junior teammate Kiree Hutchings contributed 13.

Then, Santa Cruz faced Branson on Friday and fell by 14. From the Marin IJ:

Branson 68, Santa Cruz 54

The difference: The Bulls (9-2) cruised to a comfortable 17-point lead at halftime (38-21), but had to withstand a strong second-half charge by Santa Cruz at the Sand Dune Classic at St. Ignatius High in San Francisco. Branson had its lead cut to 42-40 in the third quarter, as Kaijae Yee-Stephens (28 points, six 3s) and the Cardinals (5-5) fought back. However, a 21-point fourth helped seal the game for the Bulls. Taylor Walton was the catalyst all game, consistently finishing around the rim to record 24 points and grabbing 10 boards.