Five most memorable

Teams

Girls cross country – The Centurions won a tiebreaker at the CIF-SS finals to advance to state and made the most of it, finishing second in Division 2.

Boys cross country – Saugus saved its best for last, finishing seventh at the CIF-SS finals and then bursting into sixth at state in Fresno.

Boys soccer – The cardiac Cents won two playoff games in double overtime and advanced in penalty kicks in the first round of a SoCal Regional. Ultimately, they’re the Foothill League’s second-ever CIF finalist in boys soccer.

Boys basketball – Saugus had a winning season for the first time in five years, finishing 6-4 in the Foothill League and winning its playoff opener against Mark Keppel of Alhambra.

Football – The Centurions busted out of the gate with a 7-0 start to the year. They finished 9-3 after a failed two-point try with less than 10 seconds left sealed a 25-23 loss to Wilson of Long Beach in the D6 quarters.

Male athletes

Zach Phipps – Phipps rode out a couple tough seasons at Saugus and was rewarded with a sparkling senior year. He averaged 20 points a game, highlighted by 33 points in the Cents’ first-round playoff win.

James Johnson – Johnson challenged Saugus’ single-season goals record, ultimately finishing with 28 to finish two short. But his presence played a big part in the Cents’ first-ever run to a title game.

Cameron Lutges – The double-amputee freshman inspired the Saugus swim team with his perseverance in the pool. Look for Lutges to continue improving his strokes and times in coming years.

Zander Minano – The Notre Dame of Sherman Oaks transfer made an immediate impact on Saugus swim. He set a new Foothill meet record in the 50 free and took second in the event at CIF finals.

Blake Walkowiak – In football, an injury limited him to six games, but he still finished with four sacks and 29 total tackles. In track and field, he was the Cents’ best in shot and discus. He nearly made state in the latter.

Female athletes

Kaylee Thompson – Thompson finished 11th at the CIF-SS D2 finals in cross country, before going on to take eighth at state. She was also a strong contributor in track and field.

Libbie McMahan – The freshman was a factor on both the varsity basketball and varsity softball teams. In softball, she helped the Centurions with her work at the plate, in the field and in the circle.

Cassidy FitzGerald – The heart and soul of Saugus softball finished her final season with a .349 average, seven home runs and 25 RBIs. Her work behind the plate was crucial.

Caitlin Liebe – Liebe led the Centurions to a third-place finish in the Foothill League and a berth in the CIF-Southern Section Division 3 playoffs. She had 304 kills in 92 games, according to MaxPreps.

Maryrose Elias – The senior wing was a force on offense for what was an otherwise young Centurions team, averaging 20 points, six rebounds and two assists.