Albanos girls basketball fast break: OCs depth stars in CIF-SS finals

Published: Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at 8:19 am

Orange County Girls Basketball Teams Shine in CIF-SS Finals

Orange County girls' basketball teams had a strong showing in the CIF-SS finals, with four teams securing championships, the most since 2012. St. Margaret's (Division 3), El Dorado (Division 4), Savanna (Division 6), and Kennedy (Division 7) all claimed titles. The county's champions collectively won by an average of 19.5 points. Savanna and Kennedy celebrated their first section titles.

A key factor in some teams' success was their challenging non-league schedules. Savanna, for example, played against tough opponents, which helped them prepare for the playoffs. St. Margaret's also credited their success to playing in a competitive league.

Support for the finalists was evident, with other teams and coaches offering congratulations and attending playoff games.

Kennedy freshman TaNiya Paul was a standout performer, narrowly missing a triple-double with 13 points, 21 rebounds, and eight assists in the Division 7 final. St. Margaret's freshman Jayden Witten and El Dorado's Delaney Shiring also had impressive performances.

Looking ahead to the CIF Southern California Regional, Mater Dei is set to face Windward in Division I. Despite Mater Dei being the top seed, the game may be challenging due to coach Jody Wynn's one-game suspension. Windward, seeded 16th, has already upset a top-seeded team in the quarterfinals. Mater Dei's offense has also been a concern, averaging fewer points in the Open Division compared to their season average.

Other teams to watch in the regional playoffs include Fairmont Prep in Division I, Rosary in Division II, and Kennedy in Division IV.

BNN's Perspective: The success of Orange County girls' basketball teams in the CIF-SS finals is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the players, coaches, and support systems. The emphasis on challenging schedules and competitive leagues highlights the importance of preparing for postseason success. While the upcoming regional playoffs present new challenges, the county's teams have demonstrated their ability to compete at a high level.

Keywords: Orange County, girls basketball, CIF-SS finals, championships, Savanna, Kennedy, St. Margaret's, El Dorado, TaNiya Paul, Mater Dei, Windward, Fairmont Prep, Rosary, regional playoffs

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