Girls water polo team makes CIF finals
Northwood High School
After finishing 23-10, the Northwood High girls water polo team advanced to this year’s CIF Division 4 finals, before losing to Rosary, 8-6, in the championship game. “For them to go all the way to the finals is really special,” Northwood coach Kyle Kim-E said. Senior co-captain Yoshi Elseifi led the Timberwolves with three goals, and junior Nina Elias had two goals. “Yoshi had close to 200 goals on the season, and we’re proud to send her off with this finalist appearance,” Kim-E said. “Nina is a junior, so we’ll get her back. She’s a really strong 2-meter defender.”
Girls basketball team finishes at 23-6
Portola High School
Portola High School’s girls basketball team finished the season with a 23-6 overall record against a tough league and nonleague schedule. The Bulldogs’ season ended in a 66-50 loss to Redondo Union in the second round of the CIF Division 1 playoffs. It marked the last game for senior Kira Watanabe, who has scored over 1,000 points at Portola. “I have slept well at night for four years having that kid as my point guard, and it’s going to be difficult not having her around anymore,” Portola coach Brian Barham said.
Season of firsts for Vaqueros
Irvine High School
Irvine High School’s boys basketball team reached the CIF playoffs for the first time in nine years and notched its first CIF playoff win in 15 years. Led by junior forward Cooper Stearns, the Vaqueros finished the season with a 16-14 record – their first 16-win season in over 20 years. “This was a special team in Irvine Vaquero history,” coach Harry Meussner said. “That’s the most wins for our program in a very long time.”
Boys basketball team wins league title
Woodbridge High School
Woodbridge High School’s boys basketball team captured the Pacific Coast League title and advanced to the semifinal round of the CIF 3A playoffs before losing to Alemany, 60-47. It was the first time Woodbridge has reached the semifinal round since 1997. Stephen Lamp scored 17 points and JC Schindler scored 15 points to lead Woodbridge. “I’m proud of my team,” Woodbridge coach Steve Scoggin said.
