HIGH SCHOOL NOTEBOOK

Out of necessity, the Kennedy girls’ team has done a lot with a little.

The Golden Cougars (15-7, 9-1), all seven of them, won the Valley Mission League championship a year after finishing 1-9 in the West Valley League.

“We had a difficult start, but we’ve had a good finish,” Coach Kurt Keller said. “I give all the credit to the girls. I think the biggest change was [that] we got a renewed commitment once we got back from Christmas break.”

Kennedy, seeded No. 13 in the City playoffs, has averaged fewer than 50 points per game. But the Golden Cougars, who will play a first-round game at No. 4-seeded South Gate on Friday, have allowed an average of only 36 points.

Kennedy’s roster, once 12 players deep, was pared by injuries, illnesses and players’ work and family commitments, Keller said.

The biggest loss was point guard Jovan Smith, who left the team to devote more time to her job. Smith, a junior, was a two-time all-league selection.

She has been replaced by several players.

“It’s almost to the point where its point-guard-by-committee,” Keller said.