Sea Queens Looking to Make Run in Second Half of Hoops Season

Corona Del Mar High's girls basketball team has gotten off to a rocky start in Pacific Coast League play, but the Sea Queens have the potential to bounce back and make a strong run to finish the season.

Earlier in the year, they had solid showings in tournaments such as the Corona Del Mar Tip Off Tournament and the Orange Tournament. The Sea Queens reached the title game of the Orange Tournament before falling to Katella, the top team in the Orange League.

But Corona del Mar has been plagued by nagging injuries and other things that have prevented them having their complete roster available for any significant stretches. Still, the Sea Queens managed to compile a winning record of 9-7 before beginning league play.

While the team has gotten off to an 0-4 start, they have already played the three teams that were expected to contend for the league title. Woodbridge is off to a 4-0 start, followed by Northwood and Irvine at 3-1.

“We can compete with anybody on any given night, we just have to start doing that,” Corona Del Mar coach Mark Decker said.

The Sea Queens have been led by senior guard Kayla Marlot, though she sat out last week’s game against Woodbridge with a sprained knee, and point guard Ellie Nadal, who are four-year varsity players and the team's top scorers.

Also contributing in scoring have been players such as seniors Saylor Schroff and Daniela Gallardo. But while the Sea Queens have been getting offense from a variety of players, Decker said that overall they have been a little inconsistent in their offensive production.

Rebounding will also be key for the Sea Queens because as a small team, they are looking to use their speed to generate offense. Decker said they are often going to be undersized against their opponents, but they can combat that with their speed and athleticism when they get in the open floor. The Sea Queens have also received solid contributions from juniors Melanie de Arakal, Samantha Coffman and Karleh Wilson.

“If we can create some things on defense that get us out in transition, we’re pretty good,” said Decker, who added that their speed can help them on defense. He likes the team’s defensive intensity and pressure.

Corona Del Mar plays at Beckman (0-4) today at 5:30 p.m.

 “I still think our best games are going to be ahead of us,” Decker said.