LONG BEACH — The St. Anthony girls basketball team is on a seven-game winning streak heading into Saturday’s CIF-Southern Section Division 2AA semifinals game at home against Mark Keppel.
The Saints (23-7) feature a dribble-drive offense led by senior point guard Ryann Bennett (UC Davis signee), who is averaging a team-high 16.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 3.4 steals per game. Senior guard MeLaiah Joseph (11.8 points per game) is a knockdown shooter beyond the arc. Junior guard Kadence Lloyd, a nightly double-double threat, is arguably St. Anthony’s most versatile player. Lloyd is averaging 11.7 points and 7.6 rebounds per game. The Saints starting lineup is rounded out by Laila Hughes, a bouncy sophomore guard and junior forward Anaya Tunu, the team’s second-leading rebounder.
Mark Keppel (21-10), is an experienced team with excellent ball-handling skills. However, the Almont League champions have limited size, which St. Anthony could exploit with their length and athleticism.
DIVISION 2A SEMIFINALS
Lakewood at Santa Margarita: Junior guard Nyemah King is coming off a game-high 25 points in Lakewood’s 64-53 win against Beckman in the quarterfinals. Another big game by King and senior forward Cristina Jones, who had a double-double with 18 points and 16 rebounds is a must. However, at least one other player scoring in double figures is also part of the team’s recipe for success. The Lancers are 26-5 overall heading into the program’s first-ever appearance in the CIF-SS semifinals.
DIVISION 3AA SEMIFINALS
Cantwell Sacred Heart at Cerritos: Senior forward Onyekachi Nwanze is coming off a double-double with 21 points and 17 rebounds in Cerritos’ 51-48 overtime win at Oak Hills in the quarterfinals. The Dons have found postseason success by relying on their throwback post-game, featuring two 6-foot players Nwanze and Ambar Multani. A win in the semifinals would put the Dons back in the Division 3AA title game for the second time in three seasons.
DIVISION 5AA SEMIFINALS
La Mirada at Colton: The Matadores outscored their first three playoff opponents by 21 points per game. La Mirada finished second in the Mid-Citites League.
DIVISION 5A SEMIFINALS
Temecula Prep at St. Pius X-St. Matthias: The Warriors outscored their first two playoff opponents by 38.5 points per game. St. Pius X-St. Matthias finished second in the Santa Fe League.