Support our high school sports coverage by becoming a digital subscriber. Subscribe now
There are nonleague games, and there are league games.
Santa Margarita’s girls basketball team provided a reminder Thursday that the start of league creates a new season that can offer plenty of surprises.
Sophomore forward Elle Palmer scored 20 points with 10 rebounds and senior guard Madi Lam added 13 points as the Eagles upset host JSerra 47-43 in the teams’ Trinity League opener.
The Lions (16-3, 0-1) are ranked No. 1 in Orange County and second to undefeated Ontario Christian in the latest CIF-SS computer ratings used for the playoffs. They entered the game riding a season-high eight-game winning streak.
Santa Margarita (14-6, 1-0) is ranked No. 5 in Orange County and 36th in the section.
“It was truly a team effort,” Santa Margarita coach Seyram Bell said of the victory. “We knew how talented JSerra was and how well they played together, so our focus was on having a strong defensive approach and finishing every possession with a rebound.”
“Offensively, we trusted our preparation, executing our plays and making adjustments when needed,” the coach added. “Elle and Madi stepped up with some big shots when we needed them most.”
Santa Margarita trailed 22-19 at halftime before outscoring JSerra 18-11 in the third quarter to open 37-33 lead.
The Eagles scored six of the final eight points in the fourth.
Senior Janaya Williams of Santa Margarita finished with nine rebounds.
Vivian Grenald paced JSerra with 16 points while Kayla Rice added 11 points.
JSerra reached its lofty rankings by winning two tournaments, including the SoCal Holiday Prep Classic’s Premier Division, and finishing second in two others
Santa Margarita highlighted its nonleague schedule by winning the Villa Park-Brea Olinda Winter Shootout.
Next week, Santa Margarita play at No. 3 Mater Dei (15-4, 1-0) on Tuesday. JSerra travels to No. 10 Orange Lutheran (15-5, 0-1) on Tuesday before playing host to Mater Dei on Thursday.
