Girls’ basketball: Ayala’s Rhema Gardner returns to the court

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Ayala’s UCLA-bound Rhema Gardner participated in practice today for the first time since she tore her ACL in February. Coach Mel Sims said that she initially looked hesitant but toward the end of practice she began trusting her body, and she relaxed into her natural rhythm.

‘The first time you run hard, you’re going to have some reservations,’ Sims said.

Gardner, a 6-foot-2 forward, averaged a double-double last season with 19 points and 11 rebounds per game.

Ayala’s leading scorer, Ariel Marsh, also fell victim to the knee injury plague, tearing her ACL in June. The senior guard is expected to be cleared for play in about two weeks.

-- Melissa Rohlin