Hart, Burroughs Coaches Guarded About the Future

Their school transcripts say they are freshmen.

Their talent, poise and basketball savvy say otherwise.

Shaina Zaidi of Burroughs High and Amanda Patton of Hart have established themselves as impact players during summer league play and figure to battle for the next four years as point guards at rival Foothill League schools.

“They’re going to make an impact for the next four years,” said Coach Doug Nicol of Burroughs.

Added Coach Dave Munroe of Hart: “It’s going to be interesting.”

Zaidi and Patton are among several talented freshmen who are claiming the spotlight this week during the Santa Clarita Shootout at College of the Canyons.

Hart defeated Glendale, 42-35, and Burroughs defeated El Camino Real, 34-28, in quarterfinal play on Thursday and could meet Saturday for the championship.

Hart plays Royal and Burroughs meets Valencia tonight in semifinal games.

The young guards’ ability to control the tempo and emotions of the games will be key.

“Amanda is our best ball-handler,” Munroe said. “I have a lot of confidence in her.”

Same deal at Burroughs.

“We run just about everything through Shaina,” Nicol said. “We put a lot of responsibility on her shoulders.”

If either guard is concerned about the high expectations, they haven’t shown it.

“In the beginning, I was a little [concerned],” Zaidi said. “I felt like I had to carry the team. Not anymore. Everyone is jelling right now and that takes the pressure off.”

Zaidi, 5 feet 7, is averaging 18 points this summer and has Burroughs thinking about the playoffs after missing the postseason last winter for the first time in 15 seasons.

“It’s virtually impossible to steal the ball from her,” Nicol said. “She’s an incredible creator.”

Zaidi scored five points against El Camino Real. Gracie Coronado led Burroughs with seven points.

Christina Aguinaga scored 13 for El Camino Real.

Patton, 5-5, scored 11 points against Glendale and helped Hart erase a 24-14 second-half deficit.

Christina Sanchez scored 10 points and Briana Brigandi added nine for Hart. Hilary Driffill had 13 points for Glendale.

Patton figures to be the first freshman to start for the seven-time defending league champion Indians since 1991-92.

“She’s already their best player,” said one rival coach.

Burroughs and Hart hardly have the market cornered on talented freshmen.

El Camino Real could be the team to beat among area City Section schools with 5-9 freshman forward Chehara Shields added to a lineup that includes standout juniors Aguinaga and Karen Shun.

Royal has its most talented freshman class in several years, led by 5-5 guard Kinsley Mittel.

At Canyon, Erika Doyle has been impressive this summer.

Royal 46, Canyon 38--Kristen Galbreath had 10 points and three others added eight for the Highlanders in a quarterfinal victory.

Alison Rendich scored 13 points for Canyon, which forced overtime on Katie Holdaway’s basket at the regulation buzzer.

Valencia 35, Crescenta Valley 29--Megan Honaker and Stephanie Patterson each scored nine points and the Vikings upset the two-time defending tournament champions.

Kristie Umemoto scored 11 points for Crescenta Valley.