Portola’s girls basketball team caps big week winning title at Sunny Hills Showcase

Portola players celebrate after winning the Sunny Hills Showcase. (Photo courtesy Jessica Avila).

Portola’s High School’s girls basketball team is off to a fast start with a 10-2 overall record and capped the week by winning the Sunny Hills Showcase.

The Bulldogs, coached by Brian Barham, won the title Saturday defeating Santa Margarita 42-38.

“The Sunny Hills Showcase provided an opportunity for us to improve as a team playing four tough games against talented and well coached teams,” Barham said. “We escaped in overtime vs Downey, withstood a second half comeback by Clovis East, and handled tough OC teams Sonora and Santa Margarita to win the championship.”

Portola was led by senior Kira Watanabe, who averaged 16 points and six assists per game to earn tournament MVP honors.

“Our defense was anchored by senior Kalynne Abraham Mendez who has taken on all of our toughest defensive assignments all season,” Barham said. “Sophomore Kara Niho continued to shoot the ball well for us averaging over 10 points per game for the tournament while fellow sophomore Amelia Booth provided an interior presence averaging over 12 rebounds per game. “

Portola plays at San Juan Hills Thursday.

“After Christmas, we’re back at an event we look forward to each year, the Christina Mauser Memorial Tournament at Edison,” Barham said. “Our tough league schedule begins on Jan. 8 at home vs Beckman.”

Send girls basketball news to timburt@ocsportszone.com