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Valencia girls basketball coach Ally Burns noticed the changes during the spring season despite what the win-loss column showed.

The Tigers didn’t win a ton of games but their scores were more competitive. There was subtle progress but the team didn’t stop there.

Valencia committed to a vigorous summer schedule and played nearly 25 games between two leagues and a pair of tournaments.

“We felt victory was close,” Burns said this week. “We needed to continue to grind.”

And so far this winter, the grind has paid off with more improvement.

Burns, in her third season, has guided Valencia to an 11-2 start heading into the Savanna tournament next week.

Valencia also is ranked No. 20 in Orange County and owns two wins against rival El Dorado, including a rally last week from an 11-point deficit in the fourth period.

The season has been a remarkable contrast to the Tigers’ 5-11 record in the spring and their consecutive winless seasons in the Empire League before that.

Valencia was placed in the Silver Division at Savanna tournament, so a few more victories certainly appear in reach next week.

The Tigers’ progress and commitment have been paired with an intriguing roster.

Burns has blended experienced seniors Allison and Lauren Mirhan with sophomores Anaya Beard and Avery Bilhartz and freshman Jaylen Lorge.

The Tigers have developed a diverse scoring trio in the Mirhans and Beard.

The sisters, whose brother and triplet Dylan plays on Valencia’s boys basketball team, are both 5-foot-8. Lauren is a point guard who sinks 3-pointers while Allison is a forward who attacks the basket or strikes from the perimeter.

The 5-foot-9 Beard is a scoring threat in the post.

Lorge and Bilhartz both play guard with Lorge handling some duties at the point.

Valencia also is receiving production off the bench from freshman Izabella Boggs and sophomore Shrika Andhe.

Burns, who played at Esperanza and Vanguard University, also revamped her coaching staff for this season.

She added junior varsity coach and program veteran Mike Arias and Mike Lorge, Jaylen’s father.

Burns, 31, said the duo have helped increased intensity at practices and improved defense.

But for all the success, she knows the Empire still looms as one of Orange County’s deepest leagues. Crean Lutheran is ranked eighth while defending champion Tustin, Cypress and Kennedy also appear strong.

Burns said she is pleased with her team’s program but believes more work remains. Valencia’s expectations are high. “We want to be peaking going into league,” she said.

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