Orange Lutheran storms past Chaminade to secure a berth in Division 1 Girls Basketball Final – Orange County Register

ORANGE — The Orange Lutheran girls basketball team was trailing at halftime in Saturday night’s CIF Southern Section semifinals against Chaminade, and that pivotal moment seemed to bring out the best in the Lancers.

They shot 60 percent from beyond the arc in the second half and scored 46 points in those last two periods to beat the visiting Eagles 78-68 and reach the Division 1 championship game.

The Lancers (23-7), who were Division 2AA champions last season, will play Marlborough for the Division 1 title on Saturday, February 25 at the Honda Center.

“I’m so proud. To see them achieve what they set out to do makes my heart so happy,” said Orange Lutheran coach Alex Helmage. “They’ve been here before so it’s the same mentality.”

Marlborough defeated Rosary 63-44 in Saturday night’s other semifinal.

Orange Lutheran was down 35-32 at halftime on Saturday but got hot from 3-pointers in the second half.

Princess Cassell hit five 3-pointers and had a team high of 19 points. Most of the assists for her 3-pointers came from fellow guards Kelly Garrity and Shea Joko.

“I know my strengths and shooting is one of them. I’m really confident in my shot,” Cassell said. “I have to give credit to the big ones and my little guards. They got to work tonight.”

The Lancers beefed up their defense and bounced back in the second half as well. Orange Lutheran forced eight turnovers in the second half.

“They just didn’t want to lose. We’ve been in situations where it got difficult,” Helmage said. “We practice hard for these types of environments and situations and they caught on.”

Madi Bogan scored 13 of her 16 points in the second half and made seven free throws in the fourth quarter.

Taliyah Mcferson played well for the Lancers with 13 points, five rebounds and two blocks.

Garrity finished the game with 10 points and gave out five assists. The sophomore guard dribbled through Chaminade’s full-court press and made two big 3-pointers in the second half.

Chaminade (19-13) remained competitive because of the offensive duo of Alanna Neale and Hunter Hudson. Neale had a game-high 20 points and Hudson was dominant on both ends with 15 points and 15 rebounds.