Girl's Basketball is BACK and let's take a trip back down memory lane Before COVID-19
Since COVID-19, Northern California took one of the hardest hits with restrictions. Last season took place during the spring, which was only some programs playing 20+ games while others only played less than five games. Let's take a trip back down memory lane leading up to the 2020 State Championship Games.
Nor-Cal OPEN Champions: Archbishop Mitty's Overall record 26-3 League 11-0
Archbishop Mitty Monarchs dominated all of Nor-Cal that year only losing to national powerhouses Mater Dei, Riverside Baptist, and La Jolla Country Day. Nationally Ranked # 2 Archbishop Mitty Monarchs was ready for the prime rematch against Ranked #1 La Jolla Country Day which would've probably been one of the best open title games in the history of California. Mitty lost eight veterans from 2020 and this year have three seniors who signed their National Letters Of Intent to play Division I Basketball: Siena Guttadauro (University of Texas at San Antonio), Makayla Moore (Seattle University), and Noemie Bariteau (Seattle University). Now with young great talent, we all are curious to see how Mitty will look moving forward, however we know they will be good.
Nor-Cal D1 Champions: Bishop O'Dowd's Overall record 23-7 League 10-0
Bishop O'Dowd Dragons showed perseverance all season as they prevailed in a thriller vs. Salesian 62-60 in the NorCal Division 1 Championship game. They were looking to gain revenge vs. Rosary Academy who beat them in the 2019 State Championship game 75-48. Losing eight players from 2020, the Dragons will look too lean heavily on their Senior Amaya Bonner who recently signed to University Of California Berkeley (CAL). Sophomore point guard Savannah Jones will be a player to watch as she brings a lot of energy to the team.
Nor-Cal D2 Champions: Oakland Tech's Overall record 26-8 League 10-0
The Oakland Tech Bulldogs were primed for a State Title back to back repeat as state champions, dominating Clovis in the Nor-Cal Championship 57-41 led by then senior Stephanie Okowi (UAPB). Stephanie posted a BIG DOUBLE-DOUBLE that night with 28 points (14-18 FG) and 17 rebounds adding 4 blocks. Tech will miss four key graduates since the Nor-Cal championship run, but has a solid junior group with experience, who has the potential for another run. Can another repeat happen? Oakland Tech was slated to open the season vs Bishop O'Dowd on Saturday, November 20, 2021 but now the game is cancelled.
Nor-Cal D3 Champions: Saint Mary's of Berkeley's Overall Record 27-7 League 8-2
The Saint Mary's Of Berkeley Panthers took an eight game winning streak right into the State Championship game, but COVID-19 took their chances of becoming State Champions. The Division 3 Nor-Cal Championship game was very exciting to the end. St. Mary's jumped out to a 21 point lead early, but Woodside Priory clawed back with a huge 4th Quarter scoring 29 points to the Panthers 15. It was not enough to complete the comeback. Jazmine Barnes (Dominican), Jasmine Farmer (Laney Community College), and Kayla Rosemon (Cal State East Bay) will be huge shoes to fill. The trio has all gone off to play college basketball and the Panthers will now look to senior Anela Thomas to guide the Panthers back to the promise land.
Nor-Cal D4 Champions: Sierra Pacific's Overall Record 29-7 League 12-0
The Sierra Pacific Golden Bears flew under the radar during the 2020 season straight to the State Championship game. With an impressive win over a tough San Joaquin Memorial squad and four point loss to Oak Ridge, should the Golden Bears have been placed in the Division 3 bracket? That is a question we will never get the answer too. Losing key players like Alana Roberts and Celeste Lewis, can Sierra Pacific make another run? They opened at home against Clovis West in a foundation game Monday, November 15th and suffered a huge loss 79-25 but it's a long season ahead.
Nor-Cal D5 Champions: Branson's Overall Record 26-9 League 10-6
Branson Bulls was an energetic team to watch with young duo Jaliyah Wiggins and Hannah Golan that pushed them to the State Championship game. Heading into this season Branson will be hungry to get back to Championship, but this year will look different without their former Head Coach who was let go. The new Head Coach Trey Mitchell will look to continue the success for the program and we think he can get the job done. Senior point guard Jaliyah Wiggins is expected to have a big season and show why she is one of the best two way players in her class.
Teams to Watch:
Salesian
Oak Ridge
St. Mary's Stockton
Vanden
Pinewood
San Ramon Valley
Monta Vista
San Joaquin Memorial
Clovis West
McClatchy
Antelope
Carondelet
Pinole Valley
Folsom
Piedmont