Santa Fe has relied on a stalwart defense averaging 28.53 points allowed per game, but that average took a hit on Wednesday. They skirted past the Whittier Cardinals 59-56. Given the Chiefs' advantage in MaxPreps' California basketball rankings (they are ranked 318th, while the Cardinals are ranked 705th), the result wasn't entirely unexpected.
Santa Fe got their win on the backs of several key players, but it was Abigail Cetina out in front who almost dropped a double-double on 15 points and nine boards. Cetina is trending in the right direction considering she's improved her point production for three straight games. Roxy Beltran was another key player, going 9 for 19 en route to 21 points and eight steals.
Whittier's loss came despite a true team effort from the offense, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Andrea Castillo, who went 6 of 12 on her way to 13 points in addition to six rebounds and three steals. The team also got some help courtesy of Kassandra Mendoza, who went 5 for 10 en route to 11 points.
Chiefs
| 01/15/25 @ Whittier | 59-56 |
| 01/08/25 vs California | 56-37 |
| 01/02/25 @ Ocean View | 53-45 |
| 12/30/24 vs Ramona Convent | 39-30 |
| 12/28/24 vs Edgewood | 67-19 |
The victory was the fifth in a row for Santa Fe, bringing their record for this year to 17-2. Those victories came thanks to their offensive performance across that stretch, as they averaged 54.8 points per game. As for Whittier, they dropped their record down to 8-12 with the defeat, which was their third straight at home.
Santa Fe will challenge El Rancho at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. El Rancho is strutting in with some offensive muscle as they've averaged 52.2 points per game this season. As for Whittier, they will be playing at home against California at 7:00 p.m. on Friday.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
