Girls Division 3A Basketball Playoffs: Whitney's Journey to Semifinals Concludes in a 5-Point Defeat due to Early Fumbles
The Whitney High School girls basketball team made a historic run in the CIF-Southern Section, reaching the semifinals for the first time on February 25, 2025. Despite a valiant effort, they fell short against Cantwell Sacred Heart of Mary High, losing 41-36.
The Wildcats (23-9) started the game trailing 8-4 in the opening quarter before taking the lead for the first time. However, their performance in the first half was their worst of the season, connecting on only three of 27 field goals, getting 15 rebounds, and turning the ball over 15 times. They missed all 12 of their three-point attempts in the first half and were two of 12 from downtown in the second half.
Alyssa So, a key player for Whitney High, struggled during the game, while Sarai Carter stepped up with a season-high seven points, five rebounds, and three steals. Despite taking leads later in the game, the Wildcats couldn't hold on, ultimately losing by five points.
Coach Jacobs emphasized the importance of work ethic in the team's semifinal debut. He stated that the team cannot dwell on their loss and must continue to play and work.
The CIF Southern California Regionals brackets will be released on Sunday, with the first round beginning on Tuesday. The Wildcats will be hoping to bounce back and make another deep run in the postseason.
It's worth noting that this season's 23 victories are the most since the 2013-2014 team under Jeff Day went 25-4 and lost in the quarterfinals. However, further details about Whitney High School's girls basketball program history in the CIF-Southern Section, their 2019-2020 season performance, or their 2025 semifinal defeat are not readily available in the current search results. Consulting specific CIF Southern Section archives, Whitney High School athletic department records, or dedicated sports databases might be necessary for a more comprehensive understanding of the team's history.
The community news will likely feature the Whitney High School girls basketball team's historic semifinal run in the CIF-Southern Section, despite their loss to Cantwell Sacred Heart of Mary High. Local sports enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting upcoming events, hoping to see the Wildcats bounce back and make another deep postseason run, as the CIF Southern California Regionals brackets are set to be released soon.