CdM girls could be on the rise

Sea Kings girls’ basketball coach feels his team may be peaking as it heads into Pacific Coast League action today against University.The Corona del Mar High girls’ basketball team is getting hot at the right time.

Despite losing leading scorer Katie Schulte to a foot injury for much of December, the Sea Kings scored a big victory over Sage Hill and reached the championship game of the Garden Grove Tournament to close out 2005.

Sea Kings Coach Scott Kahawai said Schulte could return as early as next week. But Schulte’s injury may have been a blessing in disguise. Her absence forced other players to pick up the scoring load.

Corona del Mar (6-5) had four players -- Megan Benbow, Kristina Wayte, Shannon Johnson and Allie Duernberger -- score in double figures against Sage Hill in the semifinals of the Garden Grove Tournament. Adding Schulte to the mix will give the Sea Kings several weapons.

“We’re peaking at the right time,” Corona del Mar Coach Scott Kahawai said. “We struggled a bit with a tough nonleague schedule that included losses to Mission Viejo and Marina. We’ve had a lot of tough games. But I think the girls are starting to figure each other out.”

Corona del Mar opens Pacific Coast League play today at University at 5:15 p.m.

Santa Ana Calvary Chapel (12-0) looks like the team to beat. The Eagles boast star Chelsea DeLuca, who leads the Pacific Coast League in most offensive categories, including points (216) and three-pointers (29).

Northwood (8-5) and University (8-5) also figure to battle for the league title. Kahawai said University boasts big guards who could create matchup problems.

“It’s going to be a dogfight,” Kahawai said. “Everyone is in the same boat. There are a lot of seniors and a lot of experience out there. Every night is going to be a dogfight, and we look forward to the challenge.”

Kahawai said his team could finish anywhere from first to fifth, but the team’s goals before the season were to win the league, get a home game in the first round of the playoffs and win that playoff game at home.

“I still feel those goals are within our reach,” Kahawai said.20060104UP1MK6L4No Caption