SCV HOOPS PREVIEW: SANTA CLARITA CHRISTIAN
Santa Clarita Christian girls basketball has a few challenges ahead of them this season.
First, they’ve moved up to Division 5AA after making it to the CIF-Southern Section Division 6 quarterfinals.
Second, there was a delay in getting all the players together for practice, as many play on the Cardinals’ volleyball team that proceeded to the second round of the CIF Division 5 state tournament in mid-November.
“We know how talented our volleyball team is, so we kind of just assume at this point that they’re going to make a run, and we’re very proud of them,” coach Dennis Schwesinger told The Signal in late November.
The third hurdle that the Cards face is the lack of seniors on this year’s squad. Kaleigh Moss, who would have been the only senior on the team, transferred to Hart. She’s on the team, but is currently sitting out due to transfer rules.
“This is the youngest team I’ve had in my four years, so I’m interested to see them grow together,” said Schwesinger.
Junior forward Aaronya Crosswhite looks to lead the team’s scoring efforts this season. In her sophomore campaign, Crosswhite averaged 7.6 points per game and 2.6 rebounds per game.
She’s also an all-around athlete who helped the volleyball team get to the state tournament as a pin.
Chloe Lehman, another junior, joins Crosswhite as a captain and likely will see an increased role. She
averaged 2.6 rebounds per game last season.
Freshmen make up the bulk of the roster. Gianna Pelletier, Mary Charles, Cassie Fawsi, Lindsey George, Emily Bernards and Delaney Molloy will each ready to carve out a spot.
SCCS is currently 1-2 on the season with their lone win coming in the form of a 46-4 victory over SCVi.
The Cardinals were set to play in their first tournament this season, the Desert Christian Tournament, but according to the official SCCS website, the team will no longer be participating.
Heritage League play for the Cards will begin on Jan. 5 in a road matchup at Faith Baptist.