As the final buzzer sounded, the Sage Hill Girls’ Basketball team celebrated on the court; they had pulled off a hard-fought victory against El Camino, a premier Division 2 basketball team, in the So. Cal. Holiday Prep Classic.

“That was a legendary win against El Camino High School. Everyone played together as team, rather than as individuals, and were motivated to win for the team,” senior captain Nataly ShayanSmith said.

The Lightning (12-8, 5-2) are currently in second place in the Academy League and have rebounded from the transfer of star guard Heather Park to Orange Lutheran.

“With a lot of seniors being our captains and Emily coming in, there wasn’t a lot of uncertainty. We knew that we were going to be OK,” junior Nadia Akbari said.

The team has put in tireless hours in practice to be in their current position: the top of the Academy League. The team has learned how to play together as unit and for each other.

“This team has a great chemistry that is very special and unlike any team we’ve had in the past,” said ShayanSmith.

With the addition of superstar freshman Emily Elliot, the Lighting have added a whole new dimension that they think will lead the team to a deep CIF run. Though just a freshman, the six-foot Elliot, a three sport athlete, has changed the team’s complexion and gives the team the best chance at beating defending Academy League champion Oxford Academy (20-1, 7-0).

“Going into the final stretch of the season, we need to be incredibly focused because no game will be handed to us. we need to work hard, communicate well, and rely on each other and I’m confident we will do so,” said Akbari.

The Lightning have worked hard and are motivated to end the season on a high note with momentum heading into CIF.