The Girls’ Basketball team recently concluded their season after losing to Ontario Christian High School in the state semifinals, setting an impressive 28-6 overall record. The team also clinched its fourth consecutive Pacific Coast League (PCL) championship with a 65–50 win over Rosary Academy, finishing with a perfect 8-0 record in league play.
Their performance at the CIF-SS Open Division Pool Play was stellar. The team played its long-standing rival, Mater Dei High School, on a thrilling Wednesday night with a 56-45 win that pumped up the home crowd. In the quarterfinals, the Lightning narrowly beat Oak Park High School by one point, to extend a 22-game winning streak. However, in the Open Division semifinals, the Lightning faced Ontario Christian and ultimately fell 86-54, ending their playoff run just short of the state championship game.
Head Coach Jethro Julian said recalibrating after losses is equally as important as cheering after victory. He hopes to cultivate both “mental maturity and basketball proficiency” among his players. Even though the team suffered from a setback, he stresses the imperative of having faith in oneself.
“Before every game, I tell the girls to believe in the time and effort they put into basketball,” Julian said.
For senior captain Alyssa Cuff, four years of basketball meant after-school practices with teammates, tears of joy after victories, unwavering support from coaches and countless shared memories.
“High school cannot be the same without my teammates and coaches who are always there for me,” Alyssa said. “Playing basketball also gives me the rare opportunity to meet new people whom I otherwise would never have the chance to talk to.”
Though her high school basketball career is coming to an end, senior captain Amalia Holguin said the lessons she learned through basketball, like resilience and collaboration, will benefit her college basketball career with University of Texas, Austin. Amalia encourages prospective students interested in basketball to focus on “sticking through it even when things get tough.”
The Lightning pulled off a stunning postseason upset, defeating California’s No. 1 seed, Sierra Canyon, by three points in the semifinals of the CIF Open Division SoCal Regional Tournament on March 7. This marks the first time in Sage’s tenure in the Open Division, with Los Angeles Times sports columnist Eric Sondheimer describing the game as “one of the most shocking upsets in state basketball history.” The Lightning’s unprecedented success this season stands as a testament to years of hard work, resilience and the players’ confidence in their expertise and mentality.
“I’m so proud of my team because of their dedication, hard work and commitment. We show up everyday for each other,” Julian said.
