One of Orange County’s most dynamic and exiting scorers likely won’t be able to participate this season, impacting not only her own decorated high school career, but also the prospects of one of the county’s best teams.
Coco Miller, who already holds JSerra’s career scoring record after averaging 22.8 points, 9.9 rebounds and 3.4 steals last season, tore her ACL over the summer and is recovering from the surgery to repair it.
In her first three seasons at JSerra, the Lions never had fewer than 22 wins in a season and she was selected first-team All-Trinity League every year.
JSerra coach Mary Rossignol is optimistic about a potential return for Miller, but also expressed doubts.
“We’re just not sure,” Rossignol said of Miller’s potential return. “She’s been training and has been diligent in rehab, and is very strong, but (she’s) probably not (returning). … She’s a good kid. That’s what hurt the most. She’s helped our program be very successful.”
But now the Lions have to adjust for a difficult schedule in nonleague play and the Trinity League, and Rossignol is confident, specifically in 6-foot-4, Pepperdine-bound center Megan House, who had eight points and 12 rebounds in the Lions’ season-opening loss to a loaded Sierra Canyon of Chatsworth team on the road.
“I’m assuming there will be no one out there who can stop her,” Rossignol said. “We’re going to have to ride her.”
Incoming 6-2 freshmen Tristan Saltonstall and Kabreah Anderson, as well as returning senior power forward Kaitlyn Reis, will also give the Lions one of the most formidable frontcourts in the county.
“I’ve tailored the offense to our personnel and our defense to our personnel,” Rossignol said.
MATER DEI HURT BY TRANSFERS
With the loss of three starters – Neah Odom (Chaminade of Canoga Park), Jayde Woods (Windward of Los Angeles ) and Cheyenne Allen (St. Anthony of Long Beach) – to transfers, Mater Dei will have a significantly different look this season, but also a different attitude.
Even after a trip to the CIF-SS Open Division finals, Mater Dei coach Kevin Kiernan acknowledged some players on the team weren’t “happy” and took some of the blame for what he felt was faulty chemistry.
“We didn’t have great chemistry and a lot of that is a reflection on me,” Kiernan said. “I spent the offseason re-evaluating connecting with the kids and how we can coach the kids, and made a lot of changes.”
Don’t expect too many to feel sorry for Kiernan and the Monarchs, however. They still have Katie Lou Samuelson, who is roundly regarded as the top senior recruit in the nation.
“It’s a good starting point,” Kiernan said with a laugh.
TROY SEEKS LEAGUE RECORD
With 180 consecutive Freeway League wins in his back pocket, Troy coach Roger Anderson is hoping for a few more.
The county record – 183 consecutive wins – is still owned by Brea Olinda, but should fall this season, considering the Warriors haven’t lost a league game in 18 years.
The Warriors would also set a state record if their number of consecutive league wins bypasses St. Mary’s of Stockton’s 186-game mark, which ended with a forfeit loss last season.
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Contact the writer: jbalan@ocregister.com
