Zozulenko, Boulanger named All-CIF after impressive freshmen campaigns
Prior to the 2017-18 season, just once in the history of the Providence High girls’ basketball program had a freshman earned All-CIF Southern Section recognition.
That feat was accomplished in 2012 when Katia Dabbaghian earned her first of four straight All-CIF accolades.
Dabbaghian now has company, as Melissa Zozulenko was honored on the All-CIF Southern Section Division IV-A first team when the CIF released first-team selections across all divisions Monday.
Zozulenko wasn’t the only local freshman honored, as Faith Boulanger of Burroughs was named to the Division II-AA second team.
“You want success for the team, but there are usually individuals who stand out on every team and this was one of those kids who just stands out,” Providence coach Andrew Bencze said. “Every team that we played knew about her. And when it came down to All-CIF there were other coaches who recognized that as well. She was just playing at such a high level in the playoffs and that didn’t go unnoticed. It’s great respect for the program and great respect for Melissa.”
Zozulenko was an offensive juggernaut for Providence, averaging a team-high 16.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, 3.6 steals and 2.3 assists a game.
She was recognized as the co-Liberty League Player of the Year alongside senior teammate Giselle Camonayan.
“Even being a freshman, Melissa definitely carries herself the right way,” Bencze said. “She is a fierce competitor and she goes out there with a lot of confidence. She is really modest and just by talking to her you would never know she’s the best player on the team.
“She is also emotionally a very level player and we could always count on her offense.”
With Zozulenko leading the way, the Pioneers went 9-1 in the Liberty League to notch the program’s eighth championship in nine seasons. In the playoffs, Providence (22-9) advanced to the CIF Southern Section Division IV-A semifinals for the first time since 2013, losing to eventual Division IV state titlist Rolling Hills Prep. Providence also earned a spot in the CIF State playoffs for the third time in program history.
“In the beginning of the season, we relied on Melissa a great deal and she was the one who carried us,” said Bencze who had players miss the early portion of the season with injuries. “And she just kept it going throughout the whole season.”
Boulanger, an All-Pacific League first-team selection, finished with a team-high 12.7 points per contest with 7.3 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 1.1 blocks per game.
“Faith led us in scoring and was incredibly calm on the court for being just a freshman,” Burroughs coach Vicky Oganyan said. “She adjusted well to the high school varsity speed and physicality as the season progressed.
“We are looking forward to having her and our other young players continue to develop their game.”
Boulanger helped Burroughs go 22-8 and 11-3 in the Pacific League for a share of the title.
In the playoffs, the Indians opened with a win against Buena and fell in the second round to JSerra Catholic.
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