With the weather getting colder and the calendar turning from October to November, the fall sports come to a close and the winter sports take the spotlight. The Lions have five teams that compete in the wintertime, with the girls’ soccer, basketball and water polo teams looking to repeat as Marmonte League champions. The girls are joined by the boys’ soccer and basketball teams in the quest for athletic distinction in their sports.
Girls’ Basketball
The girls’ basketball looks to build on the foundation that they have built over the past two years. Now just two years removed from a CIF championship, the Lions look to get back to the pinnacle of high school sports. They lose three starters in Lola Donez, who transferred, while Omamoke Okah and Jordan Schwesinger both graduated. Star player Brooklyn Shamblin, who missed all of last year with an injury will also miss at least some time this year due to injury. Last year, the Lions had a record of 19-7 and a 9-1 Marmonte League record. Returning guard Fatih O’Daniel was third on the team in points, the leading returner this year. The Lions opened the season with wins over Buena and Oxnard and have their first home game on Nov. 28 against San Marcos.
Girls’ Soccer
The girls’ soccer team aims to continue its dominance of the past four years, in which the Lions have won three of four Marmonte League championships. The Lions lose just two starters from last year’s squad, Berkley Mape and Kailey Supa, but bring back two of the top three goal-scorers in Avery Oder, who led the Marmonte League with 18 goals, and Sarah Spears, who had 11 goals. The Lions had an impressive 19-4-1 record last season, falling in the CIF-SS Semifinals in penalty kicks to Los Alamitos. The Lions kicked off their season on Nov. 15 with a win over Notre Dame. Their first home game is Dec. 5 against Hart.
Girls’ Water Polo
The girls’ water polo team won their fourth-ever league championship last year, and their first since 2020. Finishing with a 19-11 record, the Lions reached the second round of CIF playoffs, falling 11-10 to King High School. The team lost four starters in Colette O’Connor, Matty Winters, Kendall Pappan and Jessie Lund. The water polo team has its first game on November 29th against Orange Lutheran before playing the first home game of the season on Dec. 5 against Woodrow Wilson.
Boys’ Basketball
The boys’ basketball team had one of its best season in a number of years last year, just missing out on a playoff berth. The team brings back its leading scorer in Stevie Prudholme, but loses three seniors from last year’s squad. The Lions get their season started on Nov. 17 against Rio Mesa, and have their first home game on Dec. 5 against Bishop Diego.
Boys’ Soccer
The boys’ soccer team look to improve on their 5-10-3 record from last year. The Lions lost eight seniors, including Ian Boras and Luke Lindas, who both committed to playing soccer at the collegiate level. The Lions start their season at home on Dec. 1 against Pacifica.