Aliyahna “Puff” Morris scores 34 points against Los Osos to lead Etiwanda girls basketball team to 25th consecutive Baseline League championship

RANCHO CUCAMONGA – Even after splitting its first eight contests, including the program’s first three-game losing streak since 2021, the Etiwanda High girls basketball team never wavered in its confidence or lacked conviction in its belief that the group would be in championship contention once again come February and March.

The first of those title pursuits focused on extending two of the most impressive streaks in state history in the Baseline League, before seeking even more significant opportunities in the postseason.

Post-game interviews

Despite having only eight players available to compete Wednesday night against visiting Los Osos, the Eagles overcame an early deficit to grab a seven-point lead at halftime, then relied on a pair of impressive runs in the third quarter to take control for good in an 87-61 victory, securing their 18th consecutive win entering the CIF-Southern Section Open Division playoffs.

Etiwanda (22-4, 7-0) captured its 25th straight Baseline championship, which is tied for third all-time among girls basketball programs in the state.

The Eagles also extended their league winning streak to 146 in a row, which ranks sixth in California prep girls basketball history.

Aliyahna “Puff” Morris, a Cal-bound senior guard and McDonald’s All-American game selection, had a game-high 34 points, as well as five assists, for Etiwanda, which scored 11 unanswered points during a two-minute stretch early in the third quarter after Los Osos (18-9, 5-3) cut the deficit to 43-37 with 7:30 remaining.

Shaena Brew, a senior guard, contributed 16 points and six rebounds, with junior guard Arynn Finley adding 14 points and 12 rebounds for Etiwanda, which added another nine-point surge late in the third to extend the lead to 63-40 with a minute left.

Tory Johnson, a sophomore guard who hit a pair of 3-pointers and scored only six points Jan. 22 in a 78-42 loss to Etiwanda, responded with career-high performances of 23 points and seven 3-point field goals in the rematch.

Johnson was 7 of 8 from the field in the opening half, including six 3-pointers, and led the Grizzlies with 20 points at the break.

Katie Freitas, a junior forward, added 14 points and five rebounds for Los Osos, which trailed 41-34 at halftime.

Johnson and Freitas combined for 32 first-half points for the Grizzlies, but were each limited to just one field goal in the second half by the Etiwanda defense, both baskets coming in the final two minutes of the contest.

Tiyana Saunders, a junior guard, had nine points, seven assists and five rebounds, with sophomore guard Naomi Walls producing eight points and seven rebounds for Los Osos.

Chasity Rice, a sophomore guard, scored 12 points for Etiwanda, which rested McDonald’s All-American honoree and LSU signee Grace Knox, in addition to sophomores Andrea Alamo and Aliyah Phillips, in preparation for the upcoming Open Division playoffs, with pool-play competition scheduled to begin Feb. 15 at home.

The Eagles, who have surpassed the 70-point mark in 11 consecutive games, are seeking back-to-back Open Division section championships, along with pursuing three straight Open Division state crowns.