Support our high school sports coverage by becoming a digital subscriber. Subscribe now

CIF SOUTHERN SECTION GIRLS BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS

All games Saturday at 7 p.m. unless noted

DIVISION 2AA

Sage Hill (23-9) at Orange Lutheran (23-8)

Outlook: It’s the top-seeded Lancers against the No. 2 Lightning in a final featuring several of Orange County’s top sophomores. Sage Hill beat Orange Lutheran 54-49 at the Villa Park/Portola tournament in mid-November but neither team was full strength. The Lancers played without senior guard Ashari Cassell while the Lightning were without sophomore forward Annabelle Spotts. Orange Lutheran blends an array of post players with dangerous 3-pointer shooters. Sophomore post Sheridan Kennedy had 16 points and 14 rebounds in a semifinal victory against Crean Lutheran while sophomore guard Shea Joko had five 3-pointers. The Lancers are so deep and balanced that they beat Crean Lutheran by 20 points despite leading scorer and sophomore post Taliyah McFerson spending much of the game on the bench in foul trouble. The Lightning counter with the sophomore duo of forwards Emily Eadie and Kat Righeimer and senior point guard Isabel Gomez. “It’s going to be a very hard-fought game especially with their size and depth,” Sage Hill coach Kerwin Walters said. Sage Hill has the advantage of recent championship experience. The Lightning beat top-seeded Ontario Christian 62-55 in the 3AA final last season.

DIVISION 4A

Pacifica Christian (24-5) at Temple City (21-7)

Outlook: The top-seeded Tritons are seeking their first section title as they make their second consecutive finals appearance. Pacifica Christian was the No. 1 seed last season in Division 5A when it fell to Louisville in the final. But the Tritons took a major step this winter behind freshman point guard Addison Deal, who is averaging 21 points, seven rebounds, six assists and four steals. Deal had 29 points, including five 3-pointers, against Shalhevet in the semifinals. Sophomore guards Lauryn Ham and Annika Jiwani added five and four 3-pointers, respectively. Third-seeded Temple City also features young talent. The Rio Hondo League runner-up doesn’t have a senior on its roster.

DIVISION 5AA

Capistrano Valley Christian (16-6) at Desert Christian Academy of Bermuda Dunes (17-11), 6 p.m.

Outlook: The top-ranked Eagles are in the finals just two years after reviving their program under Coach Dominic Freeman. “We have taken off much quicker than I have anticipated,” he said. “We have terrific girls who have bought into our culture and style of play.” CVC has reached its first section final since 1997. Senior Halle Sii scored 27 points in a 53-28 victory against Cal Lutheran in the semifinals. Desert Christian edged third-seeded Laguna Beach 53-50 in overtime in the other semifinal.

DIVISION 5A

Santa Ana (16-16) at Price of Los Angeles (14-2)

Outlook: The unseeded Saints, who finished third in the Orange Coast League, face the No. 1 seed in their first finals appearance. Both teams are led by guards. The Saints are paced by senior guard Janessa Roa, who scored 17 points in a semifinal victory against league rival Estancia. Price is led by freshman guard Jade Fort and senior guard Kaziah Fletcher.

Related Articles