“She was fighting a cold and we’re trying to get her a little more positive,” Weeks said.
Figueroa, last year’s Newport-Mesa Dream Team Co-MVP, said the substitution was more mental than anything.
“My girl [on defense] was running down the court and I was just walking, not running,” she said. “Coach asked me if I wanted to play and I was kind of [ticked] off that the girl had beaten me so I didn’t answer him. He sat me out the whole first half, then I told him I was ready to play during halftime.”
The Mustangs, who play Newport Harbor today at noon in a consolation semifinal, did the best they could with Figueroa on the bench in the first half. Junior Amy Gentling (12 points) filled in at point guard.
But in the second half, Figueroa came back to lead the charge for Costa Mesa (7-6).
“Me sitting out the first half, I don’t want to sound cocky or anything, but it did affect the team,” she said. “I do know that without me it would be tough to get wins. I just have to keep a good attitude and play hard the whole time.”
With Merced up, 50-49, with 3:45 left in the fourth quarter, Figueroa’s driving layup gave the Mustangs the lead.
Merced (7-6) was back up with less than two minutes left, and the Bears had the ball before Figueroa again made her presence felt. She wrestled the ball away from a Merced post player on a rebound, and Gentling grabbed it and was fouled. Gentling made one free throw to make it 54-54.
“When [Figueroa] wants to play, she’s just a warrior and can do so much,” Weeks said. “The team really responds to her positive energy. She just never wants to lose, and it’s a great attribute to have.”
