The Oxford Academy girls basketball team is coming off its second consecutive season in which they were Academy League champions and reached the CIF-SS semifinals. With a slew of returning players and some promising newcomers, the Patriots are again looking to bring home a league title and make noise in the CIF playoffs.
The Patriots were moved up from division 4AA to 3A this season, so the playoff road should be tougher. However, with eight returning players, including four starters, the Patriots have high expectations for themselves.
Returning All-CIF center, Austyn Masuno anchors the team. Masuno, a junior is a former league MVP and Orange County “Freshman of the Year.” Masuno averaged 19 points and 12.8 rebounds per game last year.
Also returning is All-CIF 2nd team guard Sophia Chan and all-league guards, juniors Angie Gagnon and Mylee Madrazo. Chan averaged 8.4 points and 3.3 assists per game last year. Madrazo averaged 5.7 points and Gagnon averaged 4 points per game.
Sophomore returning forward Brianna Rodriguez is also a returning starter. Senior forward Ashleigh Perez, senior guard Claire Alcanar and junior guard Angie Bayarmunkh are also returning players who were key contributors last year.
Freshman guards Angie Choi and Leanne Nguyen are also expected to contribute, along with junior center Sam Roberts.
The Patriots stepped up off-season competition, playing is tournaments in San Diego and in the Ocean View summer league. The Patriots are also playing against stronger teams in the pre-season, including the Marina/Edison Tournament and Ocean View Tournament.