SOUTHERN SECTION GIRLS’ BASKETBALL PLAYOFFS : DIVISIONS IV, V : Whittier Christian Has Its Sights Set on Quarterfinals

Last season, the Whittier Christian girls’ basketball team didn’t get past the first round of the Southern Section playoffs.

This time around, the Heralds, who tied with Orange Lutheran for second place in the Olympic League, think they can get at least a step farther when they play host Valley View (13-10) Saturday in a first-round game of the Division IV-AA playoffs.

In fact, Coach Steve Randall has his sights set on one lofty goal.

“We are looking at getting into the quarterfinals,” Randall said. “If we can get there, we would be doing very well. That would be a big accomplishment.”

Indeed. Whittier Christian, one of only four county teams participating in the Division IV and V playoffs, would have to beat fourth-seeded Pius X (17-6)--the probable winner over St. Michael’s in the first round--in its second-round game to reach the quarterfinals.

And to do that, Whittier Christian would need a generous dose of luck and exceptionally productive games from its mainstays: center Monique Grace (12 points per game) and point guard Kim Rahm (9.6 points and 6.3 assists per game).

The same is true for Orange Lutheran (9-9), which will try to advance to the first round with a victory over Mayfield (2-16) at home tonight. If the Lancers succeed, however, they probably would face tough Kern Valley (18-2) Saturday, which should dispose of lowly Marymount (3-16) tonight.

In Division V-AA, Calvary Chapel (5-11) and Capistrano Valley Christian (14-7) will try to win its qualifying game tonight. Calvary Chapel travels to Valley Torah (1-6) and the Eagles play host Woodcrest Christian (11-12).

After that, however, the road gets bumpy in a hurry for both teams. Calvary Chapel would face Liberty League champion Holy Martyrs (16-3) and Capistrano Valley Christian would meet Metro League winner Hamilton (11-1).