By Don Ketchum

CeCe Pearl  was a gem in the gym on Tuesday night (Jan. 10).

The inside player from Peoria High scored seven points after Glendale Cactus’ two key inside players fouled out midway through the fourth quarter, and the Panthers went on to post a 60-53 victory.

Cactus was ranked No. 1 in Division II power points entering the game, Peoria No. 2.

“It doesn’t matter where we play, it’s always a tough battle,’’ said Peoria coach Leslie Saulsby.

Pearl scored 12 of her game-high 22 points in the second half. Guard Felicia Foster came through with 19 points, including five three-pointers. However, it was four free throws by Foster in the final minute that helped Peoria hold on.

Peoria (16-3) had an 18-5 second-quarter advantage against Cactus (17-5). But the Cobras weren’t about to give up.

They had an impressive quarter of their own in the third, rolling up a 17-8 advantage and trailing by only three entering the fourth.

Cactus continued its output and took a 49-45 lead shortly after inside players Monique Smith and Sydney Mullings fouled out within 10 seconds of each other in the fourth quarter.

Levette Jiles (21 points) gave the Cobras that 49-45 lead, but Peoria went to work, getting the ball to Pearl.

She scored seven straight points, the last on a turnaround baseline jumper with 2:35 left, and Peoria had a 52-49 lead. Peoria outscored Cactus 8-4 the rest of the way.

Asked about the big run that allowed Cactus to take the lead in the fourth, Saulsby said, “That’s how we play – that’s us. But our maturity showed through.

“We moved the ball around and their (Cactus’) feet are not as quick as us.’’

He knew this game against its Peoria District rival would be back and forth, but his team did not approach it in a different manner.

“We prepared as if it were a normal good team. We prepared to do what we do well, not so much worry about what the other team does,’’ he said.

He expects the February rematch in the final game of the regular season to be played with the same type of intensity.