PHOTOS: Orange denied first CIF championship, Schurr wins Division 8 crown

Orange’s Aubrey Macedo attempts a three pointer as Schurr players defend. (Photos courtesy John Luciano, For OC Sports Zone).

Orange High School’s girls basketball team stayed close for most of the game but Schurr finished strong to capture a 44-32 victory to win the CIF Division 8 championship Saturday afternoon at the Toyota Arena in Ontario.

It was the first time that Orange has reached a CIF final in girls basketball. Both Orange and Schurr will advance to the CIF So Cal Regionals next week.

To see the slide show, click on the first photo:

Orange receives the CIF finalist plaque after the game.

Schurr Spartans celebrate CIF title.

Orange's Jalyssa Loatman takes a shot.

Aubrey Macedo of Orange drives up court as Schurr presses.

Coach Sara Esparza calls a play during an Orange timeout

Orange cheerleaders cheer a big play.

Anessa Salinas of Orange attempts a three pointer.

Orange Coach and players at the post-game press-conference.

Aubrey Macedo, who had 11 points, was the only Panther scoring in double figures. She also had six rebounds.

Alina Gomez had nine points and Jalyssa Loatman seven points for Orange (15-13). Loatman also had 14 rebounds.

Valerie Sepulveda scored 14 points and Marley Diaz 13 points to lead Schurr (16-14).

Both teams struggled shooting in the larger arena. Schurr made 26 percent of its field goals and Orange 20 percent. Schurr also outrebounded Orange 42-39.

Schurr led 18-17 at halftime and had a two-point lead going into the fourth quarter. Schurr moved out to a five point lead late in the game before pulling away.

Orange Coach Sara Esparza said she was proud of her team.

“We have a strong core group of seniors that have been together since their freshman year,” she said. “They are committed to being selfless leaders and our success is a direct reflection of that. We made history this season and these kids deserve 100 percent of the credit for that.”

—Tim Burt of OC Sports Zone contributed this story