Tustin celebrates Empire League title and looks toward long run in CIF playoffs

Tustin High players and Coach Claire Gocke celebrate Thursday after an undefeated Empire League season. (Photo courtesy Tustin Athletics)

Tustin High’s girls basketball team, the Empire League champion, is headed into the CIF playoffs on a roll.

“Yes, our team is very excited right now,” said Tustin Coach Claire Gocke. “It’s the first time we’ve gone undefeated in league.”

Tustin (20-3, 10-0) wrapped up league play with a 59-41 victory over Cypress at Cypress.

Zoey Barajas had seven points, Serenity Fields had nine points and 11 rebounds, Alyssa Norada had 17 points and Tamiyah Boykin scored 21 points and grabbed seven rebounds.

Tustin players and coaches will learn their playoff draw this weekend. The Tillers were ranked No. 3 in this week’s CIF 2AA poll.

“It’s been a wild season for everyone, but we’ve played 23 games already and we are looking to keep our momentum going into the playoffs,” Gocke said. “Our division is tough; from what I’ve seen there aren’t any below average teams – and there are a few teams we’ve already seen this season. Our mentality going into playoffs is in line with a quote from Don Meyer (former basketball coach at Hamline, Lipscomb and Northern State University): ‘In the end, what your own troops do is more important than who they are marching against.'”

OC Sports Zone welcomes team photos and information on other league champions throughout Orange County. Please send to timburt@ocsportszone.com