The Santa Monica High girls basketball team has prepared for its Ocean League schedule by winning 11 of 13 non-league games.
The only losses were to nationally prominent Clovis West and Long Beach Millikan, the latter on a shot at the final buzzer.
Coach Marty Verdugo’s defending Ocean League champions are expected to receive their strongest league challenge from Inglewood, which beat Samohi once last season and has three transfers.
In its most recent game, Samohi routed Palos Verdes, 71-37, as four-year Viking player Ellesse Brandis scored 20 points.
Verdugo also praises Kristina Johnson, Thea Lemberger, and Jennie Harding for their consistent play.
On Saturday, January 17, Samohi will host a special day of five high-profile girls non-league games. Included will be Samohi’s game against Bellarmine-Jefferson at 7:30 p.m.