2021 CIF Southern Section: Division 5A Standouts

The 10-3 Royals of Louisville High School (Woodland Hills, CA) traveled to Newport Beach last Thursday night to take on the 15-5 Tritons of Pacifica Christian. While the Tritons made several runs and even took a one-point lead early in the third quarter, the Royals would go on and claim the 5A title. With just one senior graduating from Pacifica Christian, and no seniors graduating from Louisville, you can expect each team to return a majority of their rosters, and make another run at the title next season. #1 Alyssa Saldana - Class of 2024 Despite her young age and the big stage of the sectional championship game, Saldana remained focused, confident, and poised throughout the game. With the skill set of a true point guard, Saldana does an exceptional job of reading the defense, allowing plays to develop, and simply making the right plays at the right time. As an offensive threat who can shoot the three-ball with confidence, and attack and finish at the rim off the dribble, Saldana naturally draws defensive pressure. This allows for her to find her teammates, and get them high percentage shots. Saldana finished the game with 11 points. #23 Taylor Westbrook - Class of 2024 Alongside her freshman classmate, Alyssa Saldana, Westbrook did not appear phased by the bright lights and the loud Triton student section. She finished the game with 22 points and sparked several runs for the Royals as Pacifica Christian fought to narrow the score throughout the game. As the Tritons made a final push in the fourth quarter, Westbrook put up an impressive 8 points to seal the deal for her and her teammates. She takes high percentage shots, finishes well around the rim, and lets the game come to her without forcing the issue. # Katherine Csiszar - Class of 2022 As a junior and the only upperclassman on the young Louisville roster, Csiszar scoring ability is impressive but her leadership on the court, in the huddle, and on the bench speaks volumes. Csiszar dominated the paint and the boards on both ends of the floor, while also contributing 14 points to help her team bring home the 5A championship title. She is physical, has great awareness, and uses her body extremely well to create space between herself and defenders. Csiszar's vocal leadership and on-court direction appeared to be a game-changer for the Royals. #10 Lauryn Ham - Class of 2024 The Tritons got off to a rocky start, but Lauryn Ham slowly but surely attempted to anchor the team by scoring the only two buckets Pacifica Christian had in the first quarter. Ham finished the game with 15 points and led her team in scoring. She proved her consistency by hitting her season average, taking smart shots, and knocking down important free throws. Ham is a solid decision-maker, an exceptional passer, and a versatile scorer. Her intensity, aggression, and will to win were shown throughout the game. #24 Annika Jiwani - Class of 2024 Jiwani averaged 21.5 points this season and is without a doubt, Pacifica Christian's most offensively skilled player. However, due to early foul trouble and difficulty finding her rhythm, Jiwani scored 11 points. Despite falling shy of her season average, Jiwani played an important role in helping her team rally back and close the gap. She helped the Tritons capture the team's first lead early in the third quarter by knocking down three big free throws. Jiwani is quick, aggressive on the offensive end of the floor, and a vocal leader as well. She has a huge upside and a ton of potential. With a championship title under their belt, more experience, and a return to normalcy, the Royals and their "Big 3" should make a lot of noise next season. While Pacifica Christian's efforts proved to be unsuccessful this year, they'll also be looking to their returners to spark another deep run in the playoffs.