Portola Coach Brian Barham talks to his team during a timeout. (Photo courtesy Brady Kim).
Portola’s girls basketball team, coming off the most successful season in the eight-year history of the program, is having another memorable year under Coach Brian Barham.
Portola, which is in the competitive Pacific Coast League, which also includes Sage Hill and Rosary Academy, is off to a 13-6 overall start and looking for a solid run in the CIF post-season playoffs again.
“Last year, we ended our season in the semifinals round of the state tournament,” Barham said. “This season, we return three starters off that team. As always, we’re the smallest squad on the floor every night. Knowing this, we have stuck with our space and pace system.
“Speed wise, this is a special group to watch. We’re averaging just over 70 shots per game. Our squad has learned the more the balls move, the better we look.”
Portola was 19-16 overall last year and 6-2 in league play.
Three seniors have led the way for the Bulldogs, who are ranked 12th in Orange County.
“Maddison Nguyen remains one of the faster guards in Orange County while averaging 13 points per game,” Barham said. “Her speed and ability to compromise a defense creates so many opportunities for her teammates.”
Another top player is senior Kara Niho is closing in on 1,000 career points.
“If she hits it, she will be the fifth player in our program’s history to achieve the milestone,” Barham said.
Another senior, Amelia Booth “took her game to the next level,” Barham said.
Booth is averaging 11 points, 14 rebounds and and four steals a game.
“She is the emotional driving force for our team. In the fall, Amelia committed to Saddleback College where she will join her former teammate, Nina Saiki (Portola 2025),” Barham said.
Barham said he knows there will be challenges in the league.
“This season, we will have our hands full during PCL league play,” he said. “The league runs through Sage Hill, who are still the Yankees. We have three private schools in the league, so it will be an uphill battle every night. On the bright side, the tough competition helps preparation wise for a possible CIF run.”
Barham said he has been proud of the way the team has approached games.
“We often tell the players, ‘the way you play the game will be the way you live your life, so don’t be boring.’ We want our players to be dynamic on and off the court. As a coach, it’s very rewarding to watch this undersized group never punk out. I am proud of their fighting spirit.
“I would love to see this group have a special ending. However, our fate is in the hands of the basketball gods. As always, we will whatever we deserve.”
Portola opened league play Tuesday losing to Rosary Academy 56-52. The Bulldogs were scheduled to play Sage Hill Friday night and also have a non-league game Saturday at home vs. Westiminster.
—Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com
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