It’s the start of the season and winter sport athletes have high aspirations personally and for their teams. Here’s what to expect as the season picks up.
Boys Basketball
Boys basketball battled through multiple tournaments finishing the month with an overall record of 4-2. They won against Cleveland, La Cañada, Agoura and Santa Monica and lost to Heritage Christian and Calabasas.
“Going into the season not only do we have a very skilled team, but also we have amazing chemistry with each other,” sophomore Jadon Holmes said. “I have high expectations for us as I know what we are capable of and what we can do.”
Heading into December, the program is excited to play local teams and face the competitive Sierra Canyon varsity squad.
“I’m really hoping to not only win league but also make a run in playoffs,” Holmes said. “With the team we have, I think we can make it deep into playoffs and have a chance to win the CIF Division II championship.”
OPHS students, parents and faculty can support the boys at their first non-league home game against Buena on Dec. 6.
Girls Basketball
After a month of hard-fought tournaments, the girls finished with a record of 1-6, with a win against Harvard Westlake.
“I think the whole team and I are just excited about this season and to do even better than we did last year,” sophomore Delaney White said. “My hope for us is to be able to complete our goals we set at the beginning of the season which is to win league, win CIF and win state.”
Looking back at their remarkable past season as CIF champions, their only regret is falling short during the semifinals. They are eager to start the season and hope it to be the best one yet.
“I’m looking forward to our first home game on Dec. 15 against Oaks Christian and I’m excited for our San Diego Tournament that we are going to during winter break,” White said.
Boys Soccer
Former undefeated league champions are back hoping to have yet another record-breaking season. Despite falling short against their first opponent of the season, Monrovia High School, losing a game 3-1, the boys continue to keep their heads up.
“I feel confident going into the new season,” senior Charles Chowana said. “I’m looking forward most to playing against Agoura in the Kanan Cup, Oaks Christian and playing in the playoffs.”
The team is excited about the upcoming league games including the Kanan Cup and eventually the CIF championship.
“Oak Park boys soccer has never won CIF before so to be the first team to win, it would be very cool,” Chowana said. “We beat Agoura last year so hopefully we can do it again this year.”
The boys feel confident as they head into their first non-league home game against Palisades on Dec. 4.
Girls Soccer
The 2023 girls soccer season has kicked off and the girls are ready to compete. They put up a tough fight in a very close match against Ventura with a final score of 2-1. They are ready to bounce back and train harder than ever for their upcoming matches.
“I’m really excited for the high school season,” senior Ava Dermott said. “I love playing with all my friends from school and I feel really confident in our team.”
The girls have high hopes for the season and feel confident in themselves as they start the season.
“I am really looking forward to the league games,” Dermott said. “I really want to win Coastal Canyon league this year and I think this team can go far in playoffs.”
To continue the momentum, the girls will have their next non-league home game against Rio Mesa on Dec. 5.
Girls Water Polo
This winter season marks the first girls water polo season in OPHS history.
“My hopes for the season are just to start up a team and for everyone to learn the basics of water polo,” sophomore Eden Chirchick said. “I signed up because I love playing water polo. I have been playing club water polo for two years.”
The girls are thankful for all of the resources they have to help make their first season a successful one.
“The coach has improved my overall experience not only by being a great coach by increasing my skill set with each practice but also by being supportive when it comes to recruiting,” Chirchick said. “Every time we get a new girl he gets extremely excited and I think that energy really motivates our team to stay together and grow.”
If any athletes are interested in joining the welcoming team, please contact [email protected].
