Girls Basketball: Nighthawks at Home for Round 1 of CIF State Championships

Murrieta Valley varsity girls basketball team's historic CIF Southern Section Division 2A Championship win Friday has propelled the Lady Nighthawks into the state tournament.

The champs are now preparing to host Los Angeles' Westchester High School on Wednesday in the first round of the CIF State Girls Open Division Basketball Championships (Division 2).

"Our girls are ready for more. They love the intensity and atmosphere of the post season and they don't want any of it to end," said Murrieta Valley Coach Scott Richards.

“The girls are excited to be hosting the game on Wednesday. To be able to play at least one more game at home in front of our school and friends would be awesome. Our fans have been so great this year and we love the excitement they bring!"

Westchester—27-8 overall and ranked third in CIF LA City Section Division 2—is led by junior point guard Athena Jones, who is averaging 15.8 points this season. She is flanked by senior Destiny Brown and freshman Taylor Jackson. Brown is averaging 13.4 and Jackson 11.6 points per game.

The Nighthawks have an aggressive bunch of starters, consisting of seniors Karen Wolf (12.3 points per game), Aliah Marshall (10.3 points per game), Deshea Wilkes (9.5) and Brynn Dahmer (6.5). Sophomore point guard Arinana Hernandez is averaging 10.5 points a game.

Rounding out the Nighthawk varsity roster are Isabel Munoz, Savannah Corredor, Janeth Castillo, AJ Williams-Johnson, Simone Jimmerson, Alex Morrison and Julia Cardenas.

Murrieta Valley is 26-5 and looking to add to its legacy as the girls head into state championships.

"It is such a great honor to go to the state tournament in back-to-back years. It really is the cherry on top of a great and memorable season," Coach Richards said.

Game time is 7 p.m. Come out and support the Nighthawks and catch some exciting CIF state basketball action.