DOWNEY - It's only the first game of the 2014-2015 season for Mary Star High girls basketball, but sophomore guard Angela Pisano would turn this game at Downey Calvary Chapel into something special.

Pisano turned in one of the most awesome scoring exhibitions not seen from any San Pedro-based school in nearly two decades, as she scored a phenomenal 42 points on 20-of-40 shooting from the field, including connecting on her only three-point attempt, and 1-of-4 free throws in powering the Stars to a 48-42 victory over Downey Calvary Chapel. It was first time any male or female scored 40 points since 1998.

Former San Pedro High boys basketball star Allen Kordich scored 41 for the Pirates in a 102-100 overtime victory over Hamilton of Los Angeles during the 1997-1998 season.

Despite the fact that Pisano's individual accomplishment would get all the attention in this victory, every point had a purpose in Pisano's eyes in regards to getting a season-opening victory for a Mary Star program that has had its share of growing pains and currently is on a 39-game league losing streak.

"This feels great," Pisano said. "I'm happy that I did my part and contributed to the team to start our season with a win."

Mary Star (1-0) would trail 26-25 at halftime despite Pisano hitting a running jumper to beat the buzzer in the second quarter as she scored the Stars' first 19 points of the game. Senior forward Evelyn Pronovost scored the only other deuce in the first half. Pisano would outscore the Grizzlies 9-6 in the third quarter to put the Stars ahead 34-31 at quarter's end and then would get valuable help down the stretch.

With Downey Calvary Chapel (0-1) finally figuring out Pisano was the one killing them, freshman guard J.D. Duran and junior forward Isabela Samperio both scored crucial baskets midway through the fourth quarter. Samperio's rebound putback layup put Mary Star up 44-34 with 2:35 to play. The Grizzlies were not able to recover.

"We really needed a few more baskets to help secure the lead," Pisano said of Duran and Samperio's baskets. "I'm happy they both scored to help the team out."

Senior guard Marina Vitalich, although going 0-of-5 from the field, still moved the ball well with nine assists, all of which led to Pisano baskets for Mary Star.

Pisano was also quick to praise the team's overall defensive effort as they forced 22 turnovers, and felt that this was far more valuable than any of her points. Freshman guard Hanalei Emnace's scrappiness, along with other viable contributions from Pronovost, Samperio, sophomore forward Kaitlyn Martinez and sophomore forward Amanda Vitalich were vital. Emnace had five steals for Mary Star.

"We have been practicing defense a lot at practice and I'm glad we incorporated what we learned in practice by carrying it over into this game," said Pisano, who had four steals and three rebounds.

Mary Star resumes play in the Chadwick Tournament on Tuesday, December 2.