The Lakewood girls’ basketball team has reached a significant milestone by advancing to the CIF-Southern Section Division 2A semifinals for the first time in the program’s history. Their remarkable journey continued with a hard-fought 64-53 victory over Beckman in the playoffs, securing a spot in the semifinals and an automatic berth to the CIF State playoffs.
Junior guard Nyemah King played a pivotal role in the team’s success, leading with an impressive game-high 25 points. Her exceptional performance exemplified the team’s commitment to making history. “I’m glad that we’re making history because we’ve never done it before, so it feels really good,” King expressed.
The team’s senior forward, Cristina Jones, showcased her versatility by contributing a double-double with 18 points and 16 rebounds. Meanwhile, junior guard Amy Rubio demonstrated her defensive prowess, scoring all 12 of her points in the first half. Coach Eric Oswell commended Rubio’s offensive impact and defensive tenacity, underscoring her vital role in the team’s success.
The road to the semifinals has been paved with dedication and unwavering teamwork. “It feels so great,” Jones continued. “I did not expect it at all. I just have a team that has my back.”
Lakewood’s formidable opponent, Beckman, put up a valiant effort led by sophomore guard Natasha Jafari and senior guard Calie Rusandy. However, Lakewood’s cohesive gameplay and strategic execution ultimately secured their place in the semifinals.
The game was a tale of two halves, with Lakewood dominating the first half and building a commanding lead. Despite a spirited comeback attempt by Beckman in the second half, Lakewood’s resilience and composure proved to be pivotal. Coach Oswell emphasized the team’s growth mindset and unity as fundamental to their success. “It’s a growth process,” Oswell said. “Our motto was control what you can control, don’t worry about what you can’t control.”
The victory was a testament to the team’s unwavering support for one another and their unbreakable bond. “Our team is all about family so nobody can work without the other,” Jones said. “We have a really good sisterhood so we’re not too hard on each other and we always want to stay together because we are really a family,” King added.
As the team sets their sights on the upcoming semifinal clash against Santa Margarita, their journey serves as an inspirational example of resilience, determination, and the extraordinary heights that can be reached through unwavering unity and belief in one another.