In just over three months, the WHS varsity girls basketball team had a successful season, securing a league title and breaking several school records.
With the league title came a lot of excitement, dedication and most of all hard work. It also included winning many key games, such as their rival game against Oaks Christian on Feb. 4 and the deciding game of the league title vs. TOHS on Jan. 28.
A big part of the team’s success came from the senior players. Makayla Velasquez ‘25, Emma Ange ‘25 and Taylor Swanson ‘25 all played an important role in terms of leadership and welcoming newer players onto the team, such as Olivia Elsokary ‘28.
“I’m going to miss her support and leadership,” said Elsokary. “Having her as an outlet and someone to trust [helped] me make good decisions.”
Seniors play pivotal roles in the team’s performance, not just in terms of leadership, but on the court as well. Among these seniors was Swanson who stood out as a key scorer and player. By the end of the season, Swanson ranked No. 2 in the Marmonte League for field goals, free throws, rebounds and blocks. Swanson is also the all-time leader for blocks in WHS girls basketball history.
“She’s both a great person to talk to and be around and also a great player on the court,” said Elsokary.
After last season, the Warriors experienced many changes in terms of their members as they lost some seniors but also gained three freshmen. One standout freshman this year was Elsokary. Coming from playing on her middle school team to directly on the varsity level on her high school team, Elsokary had multiple obstacles to overcome and potential to hone. However, she performed exceptionally well, quickly earning the starter position; Elsokary broke both the single–game and the single–season steal record this year.
“She’s the best defender ever,” said co–captain Mathis Dritz ‘26. “She really helps because of her intensity on defense, and that really uplifts the entire team.”
Dritz herself was another player who stood out on both the WHS team and even Ventura County. She was both a prominent scorer and defensive player in key moments while contributing to the team’s success throughout their many games. Dritz also broke several records this season, including the single–game block record and holds the record for all-time most points scored in WHS girls basketball history.
“Dritz scored 21 points in a win over Oaks Christian on Feb. 4 and averaged 22.2 points in 27 games played this season,” according to si.com, a nationally recognized sports magazine.
Throughout this season, several girls have broken individual records, but the team itself now broke a record for most wins in a season, ending their season with 10–0 in league and 23–6 overall. Despite their successful league season, the team unfortunately lost their first playoff game.
“I thought we were gonna make it further this year, so it just sucked for all of us because we trained super hard,” said Dritz. “I really want to advance further than the first round next year, for sure, and just go further with our season.”
