On Sunday, Mar. 5, Oak Park High School girls varsity basketball competed against Redondo Union in the state semifinals in Redondo Beach. After battling throughout the game, the Eagles fell short 45-57.

After dominating in the CIF Division 5A playoffs, the team was moved up to Division III for the state tournament.  Playing as the 11th seed, they played the first round against the 6th seed, the 2nd round against the 3 seed, and the 3rd round against the 2nd. The team also saw some new faces: Lindsay Gould, Joely Chadwick, Delaney White and Jaelah Brown. 

“It was definitely one of our tougher games of the season. We fought for the whole game but ended up falling short of the win. Even though we lost I am really proud that we all showed a lot of heart on the court,” sophomore Ella Shmool said. 

In pressure-filled matches, energy may be weak, chemistry may be off and miscommunications can rise; however that wasn’t the case for the Eagles. It was simply a good match they didn’t take home. 

“First half of the game we came out strong. Shots were going in and we felt good as we had the lead. On defense we were executing, causing stops and turnovers,” freshman Joely Chadwick said. 

The Eagles were up 12-9 at the first quarter, 21-18 at the half, tied 28-28 at the third, and trailed by 12, finishing the end of the match with a loss. 

“During the third quarter I could feel the energy dropping, but I still had hope that we could win. When the game finished, I was devastated about our loss but I am so happy we were able to make it this far,” senior Disha Ghosh.

Although the girls lost the state semi-final match, it was a huge turnaround from the 0-8 record last season.

“The amount of work and dedication the entire team put in and to see what we have accomplished was one of the most satisfying things. And to be able to put that plaque up soon is wild to think. I’ve always dreamed of being able to do that,” Shmool said.