Despite an undesirable ending in playoffs, the girls basketball team can still take pride in a successful season. With a Prep League record of 7-1 and an overall record of 13-7, the Panthers demonstrated considerable effort and fought hard in their games while developing young talent and setting up the team for a deep playoff run next year.
In last year’s season, the team finished fourth in league, so they had their work cut out for them this year as they strove to improve their skills and overall record. One of the keys to Poly’s success this season was their team chemistry.
“We bonded over team lunches and the winter tournament in San Diego,” said freshman guard Jessie Yip.
With five freshmen players, the team was relatively young and looked to the three seniors, Akira Brown, Luciana Piro, and Alex Lentz, for leadership. “The seniors do a great job helping us feel welcome and included,” Yip noted.
It was a challenging road to CIF this year, with many ups and downs throughout the season. One of the team’s biggest wins was against Mayfield, defeating them 58-27. A dominant 63-8 win over Chadwick also helped them secure second place in the Prep League. Throughout the season, the freshmen demonstrated their talent, with power forward Maggie Scholze leading the team in blocks (0.8 per game) and steals (4.7 per game). Freshman guard Harper Doyle led the team in points with an average of 12.3 per game.
Unfortunately, Poly suffered a tough loss to Flintridge Prep near the end of the season, spoiling their chances at a league championship. However, Doyle was named player of the game, hinting toward a bright future for the Panthers and their promising young core.
Due to their regular season success, the Panthers moved up two divisions in the CIF playoff bracket, matching them up with tough competition. On Thursday, Jan. 13, the team traveled nearly three hours to take on Twentynine Palms High School, just outside of Joshua Tree National Park, and kicked off the CIF Division 3A playoffs.
Twentynine Palms had an early lead in the first quarter, nearly doubling Poly’s points. Poly fought hard throughout the second quarter, though, cutting the lead to only nine points. Poly continued to rally after half time, but unfortunately, their efforts fell short, as Twentynine Palms won 50-40. Although this was not the outcome Poly wanted, they learned a lot of lessons, and their valiant effort should be noted.