Orange girls basketball team reaches CIF finals for first time in school history

Orange players celebrate after winning semifinal game Saturday night. (Photo courtesy Aaron Jacoby).

Orange High School’s girls basketball team made history for the school Saturday night at home.

The Panthers defeated University prep 49-36 in the CIF Division 8 semifinals to advance into next weekend’s finals. It’s the first time an Orange girls basketball team has made it to the championship game.

Junior Aubrey Macedo led Orange with 19 points. Senior Alina Gomez scored 16 points and senior Anessa Salinas added nine points.

“We’re very proud,” said assistant coach Jake Rhodes, the head coach of the boys team who helped with the girls team after the conclusion of the boys season.

Head coach of the team is Sara Esparza and assistant coach is Itxamar Gonzalez.

Orange also defeated California Military 50-32, Coachella Valley 44-40 and Notre Dame Riverside 48-20.

Orange (15-11) will face Schurr (15-14) in the CIF final next weekend at a location to be announced later by CIF.

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