The last two Westside basketball teams in the playoffs – the girls representing Santa Monica High and Crossroads – have been eliminated
A strong season by Coach Marty Verdugo’s Vikings, which included winning the Ocean League championship and two playoff games, ended in a 45-36 loss to Norco.
Coach Danielle Minton’s vastly improved Roadrunners tripled their victory total of a year ago before losing a third round playoff game to Bishop Connaty, 44-42, at Daniel Murphy High.
“It was a heartbreaker but we have a young team and the girls will be back,” said Minton.
The Roadrunners’ starting lineup consisted of three sophomores and two freshmen.
With anticipated development, Crossroads can become a consistent factor in girls’ basketball after winning just four games a year ago.
Athletic Director Chuck Ice deserves credit for hiring Kevin Brown to revive the Roadrunners’ boys basketball program and Minton.
