Previews of Saturday’s CIF-SS girls basketball championship games for the Orange County teams.
GIRLS BASKETBALL
Saturday’s CIF-SS finals
DIVISION 2AA
ORANGE LUTHERAN (23-9) VS. ROLLING HILLS PREP (23-3)
Where, when: Godinez High, 2 p.m.
Outlook: The top-seeded Huskies feature a resume and center that could intimidate some opponents. They’re riding an 11-game winning streak and captured CIF-SS Division 4A and CIF State Division 4 titles last season. The team from San Pedro also features 6-foot-4 sophomore center Clarice Akunwafo, who has size and skill. But 12th-ranked Orange Lutheran saw plenty of size and skill in the Trinity League. Expect the senior-dominated Lancers not to be intimidated. In the playoffs, they beat Orangewood Academy, which narrowly lost earlier this season to Rolling Hills Prep. Orange Lutheran has seen some encouraging progress by senior post Delaney Maguire (knee cap). She practiced Thursday and could play, Orange Lutheran coach Tom Howard said Friday. Look for the Lancers to combat the Huskies’ size by playing tough man defense.
Prediction: From Orangewood Academy coach Leslie Aragon, “Orange Lutheran wins 50-47”
DIVISION 2A
OXFORD ACADEMY (29-3) VS. LAKESIDE (25-3)
Where, when: Colony, 5:30 p.m.
Outlook: The top-seeded Lancers are led by Cal-bound point guard Jazlen Green, a 5-foot-10 senior. “She’s fast. She’s good,” Oxford Academy coach Dave Clifton said of Green. Lakeside also features 6-foot center Jolene Armendariz. The Lancers are much improved after going 13-14 last season and losing to Chaminade in the first round of the CIF-SS Division 1 playoffs. Oxford Academy counters with 6-foot-2 center Austyn Masuno, who recently signed with Claremont-Mudd-Scripps. The senior averages 21.1 points and 10.7 rebounds. But the Patriots also aren’t a one-player team. They pass well and especially defend well together. Sophomore point guard Angie Choi averages 13.5 points and 4.3 assists. Oxford Academy’s full-court press has caused teams trouble. The Patriots also have won 16 consecutive games.
Prediction: Lakeside beat Esperanza earlier in the season 68-61 and has played a tougher schedule than Oxford Academy. The Lancers, on paper, should win but Oxford Academy’s playoff run has been impressive.
