By Riley Segal
Staff Writer
The girls’ basketball team has dominated in preseason play, cruising past its preseason opponents to a record of 5-2. Though the Tigers fell twice in a Thanksgiving break tournament, they have not looked back and plan to continue their winning streak.
South Pas was slow out of the gate in its game versus Flintridge Prep on December 11. However, senior Kristen Kafkaloff and junior Jade Lin fueled the offensive effort, with multiple drives to the basket and several three pointers. Juniors Jalynne Li and Juliana Tom knocked down multiple jumpers and freshman Lauren Kafkaloff muscled through the Rebel defense for points. South Pas kept Prep at bay with strong defense, one of the team’s key strengths throughout the season. Once the Tigers picked up the intensity, the Rebels were no match for South Pas, and the game ended at 56-37.
“Prep had two strong girls that made a lot of drives to the basket, but we were able to shut them down,” Kristen Kafkaloff said.
The success from the previous season has set the bar high for the young team, and the Tigers are determined to match, if not go beyond, past achievements. South Pas only has two returning varsity players this season, Kristen Kafkaloff and Li, but this obstacle has not stood in the Tigers way. The squad has only conceded two games, and feels that it has been developing from each matchup.
“We’re still getting used to playing with each other, but we keep improving from our past games,” Kristen Kafkaloff said. “As seen with Prep, we were taking care of the ball on offense, making drives to the basket, and putting away shots.”
The Tigers look to improve to 6-2 against Canyon Country High School in Santa Clarita today at 5:00 p.m.
