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CIF-SS girls basketball playoffs: Previews of Wednesday’s semifinals

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CIF-SS GIRLS BASKETBALL SEMIFINALS

All of the games will be played Wednesday at 7 p.m. unless noted

DIVISION 2AA

Orange Lutheran (22-8) vs. Crean Lutheran (22-3)

Outlook: In a rare meeting between the Lutheran schools, it’s the top-seeded Lancers and their physical inside attack, against the guard-oriented, fourth-seeded Saints. Orange Lutheran features strong post players in Taliyah McFerson (8.0 ppg), Sheridan Kennedy (6.6 ppg) and Kealoha Faamausili-Beirne among others. The Lancers also are deep at guard with senior Ashari Cassell, sophomore Shea Joko (6.3 ppg) and freshman Kelly Garrity (6.4 ppg). The Empire League champion Saints counter with the senior backcourt of Northern Arizona-bound Taylor Feldman and Emily Reed (14.3 ppg), and emerging freshman Jane Hewitt (10.1 ppg). The versatile Feldman averages an Orange County-leading 27.4 points.

Sage Hill (21-9) at Santa Monica (20-5)

Outlook: The second-seeded Lightning face the third-seeded Vikings in a clash of the past two Division 3AA champions and stellar point guards. Sage Hill won Division 3AA last season while Santa Monica won the division in 2020. The Lightning feature senior point guard Isabel Gomez, who averages 13.3 points. The Vikings counter with point guard Brielle Minor, a junior. Both teams rebound well so that could be an area to watch. Sophomore forward Emily Eadie averages 15 points and 12 rebounds for the Lightning. Santa Monica, the fourth place team from the deep Bay League, has three players averaging double-digits rebounds.

DIVISION 2A

Santiago Corona (20-9) at Santa Margarita (17-6), 6 p.m.

Outlook: It’s a matchup of top freshmen guards and strong offenses as the third-seeded Eagles play host to the No. 2 Sharks. Up-tempo Santiago is led by freshman guard Jayda Cobbs, and loves to shoot the 3-pointer. Santa Margarita also can push the pace and counters with freshman Amaya Williams. The point guard has formed an excellent trio with junior guard Madison Leiva and senior post Brooke Slymen.

DIVISION 5AA

California Lutheran of Wildomar (19-4) at Capistrano Valley Christian (15-6)

Outlook: The top-seeded Eagles and high-scoring Halle Sii play host to the No. 4 C-Hawks for a trip to their first final since 1997. Sii, a senior guard, averages 25 points. CVC showed promise in a recent 58-50 loss in league to Pacifica Christian, the top-seed in Division 4A.

Laguna Beach (21-11) at Desert Christian Academy or Milken Community

Outlook: The third-seeded Breakers will learn their opponent after the quarterfinal Monday night between host Desert Christian Academy of Bermuda Dunes and Milken Community of Los Angeles. No matter who wins, Laguna Beach will be on the road for its first semifinal in school history. Junior Sophie Marriner (13 ppg, 13.7 rpg) leads a Breakers team that tied for second in the Wave League despite relying on only one senior.

DIVISION 4A

Shalhevet of Los Angeles (18-5) at Pacifica Christian (23-5), Tuesday

Outlook: The top-seeded Tritons, led by freshman point guard Addison Deal, have rolled into the semifinals, outscoring their two opponents a combined 139-27. They’re aiming to reach their second consecutive final after finishing as the Division 5A runner-up last season. The Firehawks were ranked fifth in the final Division 4A poll.DIVISION 5A

Estancia (15-12) at Santa Ana (15-16)

Outlook: The Orange Coast League rivals split their two games during the regular season with each side collecting a road victory. Estancia won the first meeting 42-21 while the Saints took the second game 40-22. Santa Ana, the third-place finisher in league, is seeking its first trip to the finals. The Saints are led by seniors Halle Broadnax and Janessa Roa. Estancia, an at-large entry into the playoffs, last reached a championship game in 1980. The Eagles are led by senior point guard Mackenzie Sanchez.

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