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    California’s unique employee lawsuit law could be repealed if ballot measure passes
    • January 23, 2024

    In 2003, just five days after California voters recalled then-Gov. Gray Davis, he signed landmark legislation making it easier for workers to sue their employers for violations of state labor law.

    The Private Attorneys General Act, or PAGA, allowing employees to file suits not only for themselves but on behalf of other workers, is unique to California.

    Davis’ action, an obvious payback to unions that had supported him in the recall election, ignited a political and legal struggle that will reach a climactic point in November when voters decide the fate of a business-backed ballot measure that would, in essence, repeal PAGA.

    The measure’s sponsor, Californians for Fair Play and Accountability, is already running ads, contending that PAGA ill-serves employees while enriching lawyers who file class-action lawsuits.

    PAGA backers – personal injury attorneys and labor unions, particularly – argue that the law is needed because the state’s labor commissioner lacks the resources to vigorously enforce workplace laws, thus allowing employers to get away with violating them.

    The ballot measure duel climaxes two decades of skirmishing in the Legislature and the courts. Its advocates have, with some success, expanded the law’s reach by persuading the Legislature to enact a raft of new workplace laws that could be enforced.

    The most far-reaching is the 2019 law that codified a state Supreme Court decision and tightly limited employers’ use of independent contractors, thereby converting hundreds of thousands of Californians into payroll employees. The U.S. Department of Labor recently adopted similar regulations.

    Other labor law expansions passed by Gov. Gavin Newsom have included a measure protecting employees that refuse to work if they believe conditions are unsafe, and another requiring employers to disclose wage scales.

    While the two sides were clashing in the Legislature, they were also fighting over the issue in federal and state courts.

    In 2021, the U.S. Supreme Court handed employers a partial victory by declaring that workers who signed arbitration agreements could not later file PAGA suits. A delivery driver’s PAGA suit against his employer, alleging that he was unlawfully denied reimbursement for expenses, is pending in the California Supreme Court.

    Late last week, the court declared that trial court judges don’t have the power to toss PAGA suits because of their complexity – a case arising from an Orange County worker’s claim that his employer violated break rules. It was a setback for employers who hoped that PAGA suits could be dismissed without a trial if a judge declared them to be unmanageable.

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    Obviously, PAGA has not only survived various attempts by employers to shrink its reach but over the past two decades the Legislature and courts have, if anything, expanded its potential impact on employer-employee relations. A legislature allied with unions would probably continue to broaden the law’s applicability.

    That’s why employers decided to take their issue to the ballot. The measure that’s qualified for the November election would repeal PAGA and, instead, beef up state enforcement of workplace rules.

    Their campaign will stress the replacement provisions, labeling it the “Fair Play and Employer Accountability Act.” However, the official language for the measure stresses its repeal of PAGA, saying it “eliminates employees’ ability to file lawsuits for monetary penalties for state labor law violations,” echoing the opponents’ characterization.

    The campaigns for and against the measure, therefore, will be a battle of perceptions. PAGA’s defenders will say it’s needed to protect workers from rapacious employers while its opponents will say it’s needed to protect workers and employers from rapacious lawyers.

    CalMatters is a public interest journalism venture committed to explaining how California’s state Capitol works and why it matters. For more stories by Dan Walters, go to Commentary.

    ​ Orange County Register 

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    Novak Djokovic holds off Taylor Fritz to reach Australian Open semis for 11th time
    • January 23, 2024

    By JOHN PYE AP Sports Writer

    MELBOURNE, Australia — Novak Djokovic held off Taylor Fritz, 7-6 (3), 4-6, 6-2, 6-3, in 3¾ hours to reach the Australian Open semifinals for the 11th time on Tuesday.

    When he gets through the quarterfinals in Australia, Djokovic is unbeaten.

    The 24-time major champion has won all 10 semifinals he’s contested at Melbourne Park and all 10 finals. In his record-extending 48th Grand Slam semifinal, the top seed will play fourth-seeded Jannik Sinner or No. 5 Andrey Rublev.

    The 12th-seeded Fritz saved the first 15 break points he faced, an unheard of statistic against one of the best returners ever.

    “We all know Taylor has got one of the best serves in the world,” Djokovic said. “I knew the kind of threat he poses when he serves on such a high quality.

    “My conversion was really poor but in the end of the day, I managed to break him when it mattered. I upped my game midway through the third set, all the way to the end.”

    The first game set the tone for a long, tough match. It lasted 16 minutes and contained 24 points, going to deuce nine times. Fritz fended off three breakpoints before finally holding.

    The first set lasted 1 hour, 24 minutes – the longest opening set of the tournament – and was in the balance until the tiebreaker.

    The match started in bright sunlight and almost 90-degree heat, and the shade moved from west to east across the court from behind the umpire’s chair.

    After Fritz held in the 11th game, Djokovic was agitated and gesturing to get the attention of his support team, calling for salts.

    But after holding and taking the set to a tiebreaker, Djokovic finished a 21-shot rally with a stunning backhand crosscourt winner to get five set points. He put his finger to his ear, nodded his head and blew a kiss toward a commentary box at the rear of the court.

    It was Fritz who got the first service break to open the second set, having fended off eight in the first set against him.

    He saved another seven break point chances in the second, mostly with clean winners, and maintained the break to level at one set apiece, closing with an ace.

    After all that resistance, though, Fritz was broken in the second game of the third set when Djokovic converted his 16th chance. Djokovic broke again, at love, in the ninth game to wrap up the third set in 38 minutes.

    In the fourth, Fritz struggled to hold in a game that contained 14 points and then was broken in the sixth. He hit back immediately, converting his second break point with a forehand that clipped the net and dropped for a winner.

    But Djokovic denied any additional twists by breaking back again for 5-3 and serving out.

    Djokovic had beaten Fritz in straight sets in all but one of their previous eight encounters, including last year’s U.S. Open quarterfinals. The exception was here in Australia in 2021, when it went to five.

    The first of the men’s quarterfinals started in the late afternoon after U.S. Open champion Coco Gauff’s 3-hour, 7-6 (6), 6-7 (3), 6-2 victory over Marta Kostyuk of Ukraine.

    The 19-year-old Gauff, on a 12-match winning streak in Grand Slams, will next play defending champion Aryna Sabalenka or Barbora Krejcikova.

    American Taylor Fritz plays a backhand return to top-seeded Novak Djokovic during their Australian Open quarterfinal on Tuesday in Melbourne, Australia. Djokovic won in four sets to reach the Aussie semifinals for the 11th time in his career. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)

    ​ Orange County Register 

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    Orange County girls basketball stat leaders, Jan. 22
    • January 23, 2024

    Support our high school sports coverage by becoming a digital subscriber. Subscribe now

    The Orange County girls basketball stat leaders through Jan. 20.

    The leaderboards are based on stats published on MaxPreps.com.

    SCORING

    Name, school
    GP
    Pts
    PPG

    Allison Clarke, Rosary
    17
    516
    30.4

    Adyra Rajan, Fairmont Prep
    25
    501
    20.4

    Rylee Bradley, Marina
    24
    487
    20.3

    Jatniel Cabrera, Whittier Christian
    19
    383
    20.2

    Teresa Martinez, Magnolia
    16
    319
    19.9

    Anna Shreeve, San Juan Hills
    22
    431
    19.6

    Madilyn Lam, Esperanza
    21
    407
    19.4

    Kayla Rice, Dana Hills
    22
    424
    19.3

    Sophia Rangel, Loara
    19
    356
    18.7

    Aryanna Hudson, San Juan Hills
    22
    367
    16.7

    Mia Cubacub, El Toro
    22
    367
    16.7

    Charlotte Muller, Esperanza
    21
    349
    16.6

    Sydney Norwood, Crean Lutheran
    19
    307
    16.2

    Alana White, Buena Park
    17
    268
    15.8

    Elvira Chavez Trujillo, MSA
    8
    123
    15.4

    Elise Marquez, Anaheim
    20
    306
    15.3

    Gisele Martinez, Anaheim
    22
    327
    14.9

    Kiana Graham, Sonora
    8
    118
    14.8

    Hana Watanabe, Woodbridge
    22
    322
    14.6

    3-POINTERS

    Name, school
    3PM
    3PA
    3P%

    Adyra Rajan, Fairmont Prep
    88

    Charlotte Muller, Esperanza
    72
    213
    34

    Alissa Belen, Orangewood
    60

    Charlotte Fajardo, Foothill
    59
    207
    29

    Lauryn Ham, Pacifica Christian
    58
    193
    30

    Taylor Parra, Sunny Hills
    56
    167
    34

    Madeleine Hsu, Kennedy
    54
    139
    39

    Aryanna Hudson, San Juan Hills
    54
    157
    34

    Jatniel Cabrera, Whittier Christian
    53
    198
    27

    Lizzie Yasui, Woodbridge
    52
    171
    30

    Elize McAveney, Foothill
    51
    192
    27

    Kiana Graham, Sonora
    49
    122
    40

    Bridget Boyd, El Toro
    49
    179
    27

    Katie Nguyen, La Quinta
    44
    173
    25

    Hana Watanabe, Woodbridge
    43
    100
    43

    Gisele Martinez, Anaheim
    42
    120
    35

    Ariana Botello, Whittier Christian
    41
    143
    29

    Faith Ledesma, Segerstrom
    39
    128
    30

    Liz Han, Brea Olinda
    34

    Caylie Villagrana, Pacifica Christian
    33
    83
    40

    Zoe Sanborn, Whittier Christian
    33
    104
    32

    Mayra Soltero, Godinez
    33
    118
    28

    Alexa Muller, Esperanza
    32
    90
    36

    Teagan Burrus, Woodbridge
    32
    104
    31

    Quinsey Bryan, Crean Lutheran
    32
    122
    26

    Anna Shreeve, San Juan Hills
    31
    106
    29

    Isabella Caceres, Cypress
    31
    134
    23

    REBOUNDS

    Name, school
    GP
    Reb
    RPG

    Jay Perez, Foothill
    22
    294
    13.4

    Alana White, Buena Park
    17
    210
    12.4

    Faith Harper, Mission Viejo
    18
    192
    10.7

    Riyin Stewart, Kennedy
    12
    127
    10.6

    Sophia Boyer, Los Amigos
    15
    154
    10.3

    Sophia Rangel, Loara
    20
    198
    9.9

    Bella Harmon, Buena Park
    20
    186
    9.3

    Kayla Rice, Dana Hills
    22
    193
    8.8

    Milan Heisdorf, Woodbridge
    14
    129
    8.4

    Katelyn Vo, La Quinta
    23
    192
    8.3

    Zoe Sanborn, Whittier Christian
    20
    164
    8.2

    Mia Cubacub, El Toro
    22
    180
    8.2

    Adyra Rajan, Fairmont Prep
    25
    205
    8.2

    Leah Lee, Oxford Academy
    21
    170
    8.1

    ASSISTS

    Name, school
    GP
    Ast
    APG

    Elise Marquez, Anaheim
    20
    123
    6.2

    Hana Watanabe, Woodbridge
    22
    126
    5.7

    Aryanna Hudson, San Juan Hills
    23
    114
    5.0

    Lola Bellon, Dana Hills
    22
    107
    4.9

    Madilyn Lam, Esperanza
    22
    105
    4.8

    Bella Harmon, Buena Park
    20
    93
    4.6

    Alexa Muller, Esperanza
    17
    74
    4.4

    Mariana Mina, El Toro
    22
    94
    4.3

    Elizabeth Tirona, Kennedy
    20
    82
    4.1

    Jatniel Cabrera, Whittier Christian
    19
    75
    3.9

    Isabella Caceres, Cypress
    19
    72
    3.8

    Dulce Espinoza, Loara
    21
    78
    3.7

    Madison Dellner, Dana Hills
    22
    79
    3.6

    Ariana Navarro, Kennedy
    20
    69
    3.4

    Bailey Roczey, Villa Park
    23
    78
    3.4

    Teagen Burrus, Woodbridge
    22
    69
    3.1

    Sophia Rangel, Loara
    20
    62
    3.1

    Sydney Peterson, San Juan Hills
    19
    57
    3.0

    Aleah McGregor, Anaheim
    22
    65
    3.0

    Kayla Rice, Dana Hills
    22
    65
    3.0

     

    ​ Orange County Register 

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    Struggling Kings salvage a point but fall to Sharks in shootout
    • January 23, 2024

    LOS ANGELES — With a chance to establish a winning record at home for the first time this season, the Kings fell flat against a team they have dominated.

    Fighting off a two-goal deficit against the San Jose Sharks, a late equalizer by Drew Doughty sent the game to overtime before the Kings came up short in a shootout for a 4-3 loss on Monday night at Crypto.com Arena. While they salvaged a point against the last-place team in the NHL, it was the Kings’ 11th loss in the past 13 games.

    Sharks captain Logan Couture joined Fabian Zetterland with shootout conversions against Kings goalkeeper David Rittich, while both Trevor Moore and Adrian Kempe were denied by Finnish netminder Kaapo Kahkonen.

    Zetterland opened the scoring in the second period. Fellow Swede William Eklund then added to the tally, putting the Kings in a hole they struggled to dig themselves out of.

    The Kings (22-13-9, 53 points) drew one back before the second intermission on Trevor Moore’s team-leading 21st goal of the season, and they added a pair in the final 20 minutes, Quinton Byfield before Doughty, offsetting the Sharks’ third goal courtesy of Justin Bailey.

    “You should be able to win a game scoring three right now, and we weren’t able to do that tonight,” Kings coach Todd McLellan said. “The last two goals against were very preventable.”

    The late-game drama materialized due to the Kings’ early listlessness following a strong performance on Saturday against the New York Rangers.

    After the first intermission, the Sharks (12-31-4, 28 points) made the Kings pay for mismanaged chances.

    On a delayed penalty call, Zetterlund jumped on a blocked shot in the slot, whacking the puck past Rittich for his 14th goal at 7:46.

    San Jose got to Rittich again less than two minutes later. Going the length of the ice in a blink, center Nico Sturm dished the puck to Eklund, who snapped it from the left circle across the goalie’s glove side for his eighth goal of the year at 9:08.

    Moore seemed to resuscitate the Kings as the second period neared its conclusion.

    Off Kevin Fiala’s 29th assist, the 28-year-old Thousand Oaks native got on the puck at the blue line, charged down the right side and snapped a beauty of a shot into the upper corner near the far post at 17:06.

    Halving their deficit gave the Kings something to feel positive about heading into the third, and that was evident when the teams returned to the ice.

    One game after heading to the third line to play center, Byfield found himself back on the wing alongside Anze Kopitar and Kempe, who were disconnected and ineffective playing with Pierre-Luc Dubois through two periods.

    “I didn’t think they had a lot going,” McLellan said. “I thought they needed a little more energy.”

    Holding the puck in the Sharks’ end, Byfield extended play as the refurbished first line searched for an equalizer. By the time the puck was cycled around, the talented 21-year-old Canadian, parked directly in front of the San Jose net, made the most of a nifty assist from Kempe 93 seconds into the third period for his 14th goal of the season.

    Whatever momentum the Kings generated during the course of their comeback was stymied by the Sharks at 6:17, when the visitors rushed down the ice and Bailey netted his third of the season between Rittich’s legs.

    Despite his strong effort, a misplayed clearance from Kahkonen sent the puck into the stands, prompting a delay of game that gave Doughty a chance to send it to overtime.

    The defenseman’s 11th goal of the year, off assists from Fiala and Byfield, came when he buried a slap shot that rippled the net high on Kahkonen’s glove side with 1:58 left in regulation.

    Neither team found a game-winner in overtime, leading to the deciding shootout.

    Kahkonen denied Moore and Kempe, while Sharks captain Logan Couture, who made his season debut on Saturday after missing 45 games with a lower-body injury, and Zetterlund, the evening’s initial goal scorer, bested Rittich twice on his glove side.

    Kahkonen had 44 saves, while Rittich had 27.

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    The Kings, now 1-5 in shootouts, saw their franchise-record six-game winning streak against the Sharks come to an end and Rittich snapped his stick in frustration.

    The Kings are 8-8-6 at home (2-7-4 in their last 13 games) with one more date on Wednesday night before a three-game road trip leading into the NHL All-Star break.

    “I wouldn’t say the season is slipping away but I would say there’s concern and some frustration,” McLellan said. “Definitely frustration.”

    NOTES

    Sharks defenseman Mario Ferraro did not return after he was hurt on a hit into the boards by Kings center Trevor Lewis late in the second. Ferraro tried to take a warmup lap before the start of the third but immediately went back to the dressing room. … Kings defenseman Matt Roy was a late scratch after his wife gave birth to the couple’s first child earlier on Monday. … The Kings host the Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.

    ​ Orange County Register 

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    San Clemente boys basketball holds off Trabuco Hills to stay unbeaten in league
    • January 23, 2024

    Sam Meza-Tallada (3) of Trabuco Hills powers past the defense of Christian Fernandez (15) of San Clemente as he drives for the basket in a South Coast League game at San Clemente High School in San Clemente on Monday, Jan. 22, 2024. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

    Will Whidden (23) of San Clemente defends against Arshia Amini (23) of Trabuco Hills in a South Coast League game at San Clemente High School in San Clemente on Monday, Jan. 22, 2024. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

    Chase Tolliver (32) of San Clemente shoots over Arshia Amini (23) of Trabuco Hills for a 3-pointer in a South Coast League game at San Clemente High School in San Clemente on Monday, Jan. 22, 2024. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

    Christian Fernandez (15) of San Clemente moves in for the layup against Cooper Overman (11), left, and Colin Duckens (4) of Trabuco Hills in a South Coast League game at San Clemente High School in San Clemente on Monday, Jan. 22, 2024. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

    Will Whidden (23) of San Clemente shoots over Arshia Amini (23) of Trabuco Hills in a South Coast League game at San Clemente High School in San Clemente on Monday, Jan. 22, 2024. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

    Sam Meza-Tallada (3) of Trabuco Hills scores against defenders Broderick Redden (2) and Christian Fernandez (15) of San Clemente and in a South Coast League game at San Clemente High School in San Clemente on Monday, Jan. 22, 2024. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

    Davis Blake (13) of San Clemente shoots a 3-pointer against Trabuco Hills in a South Coast League game at San Clemente High School in San Clemente on Monday, Jan. 22, 2024. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

    Matt Mowers (5) of Trabuco Hills attempts a layup past the defense of Will Whidden (23) of San Clemente in a South Coast League game at San Clemente High School in San Clemente on Monday, Jan. 22, 2024. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

    Matt Mowers (5) and Sam Meza-Tallada (3) of Trabuco Hills attempt to block the shot by Porter Hansen (14) of San Clemente in a South Coast League game at San Clemente High School in San Clemente on Monday, Jan. 22, 2024. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

    Jack Loper (0), left, and Will Whidden (23) of San Clemente attempt to block the shot by Matt Mowers (5) of Trabuco Hills in a South Coast League game at San Clemente High School in San Clemente on Monday, Jan. 22, 2024. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

    Chase Tolliver (32) of San Clemente scores a layup against Matt Mowers (5) of Trabuco Hills in a South Coast League game at San Clemente High School in San Clemente on Monday, Jan. 22, 2024. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

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    SAN CLEMENTE — A year ago, San Clemente’s boys basketball team had its worst season since 2006 and went winless in the South Coast League.

    It’s a much different story this season.

    The Tritons outlasted Trabuco Hills 45-41 Monday to improve its South Coast League record to 4-0.

    San Clemente, which is 19-5 overall and ranked No. 22 in Orange County, has beaten every other team in the league and has four league games remaining.

    “We were very young last year and the South Coast League is always a slugfest,” San Clemente second-year coach Landon Pluimer said. “Our guys worked really hard in the offseason. They hit the weights hard and got extra shots up. It’s a great start but we are only halfway there.”

    San Clemente led by 10 points in the third quarter, but Trabuco Hills (17-7, 2-2) rallied back and tied the game midway through the fourth quarter.

    The Tritons led by three with less than 30 seconds remaining in the game.

    Trabuco Hills center Matt Mowers got an offensive rebound and passed it to Sam Meza-Tallada, who was fouled while attempting a 3-pointer.

    Meza-Tallada made one of the three free throws and Porter Hansen made a pair of free throws on the other end to seal the game for San Clemente.

    “It was a tough game,” Pluimer said. “They have a lot of threats and are super well-coached. Our guys battled and we just made a few more shots than they did.”

    Making shots was a challenge for Trabuco Hills throughout the game, partly due to the San Clemente defense. The Mustangs made just one of 21 3-point attempts and their 41 points are a season low.

    “Our goal is to play hard on every possession and finish with a box out,” Pluimer said. “They have so many threats to score that it makes it tough, but we did a pretty good job tonight.”

    San Clemente was led on both ends of the floor by Chase Tolliver, who had 15 points and 17 rebounds. The junior had 22 rebounds last week in a win against Capistrano Valley.

    “He’s one of our strongest guys and he just goes after it,” Pluimer said of Tolliver. “He’s not that tall but he finds ways to get in there. Those extra possessions he gave us got us a few more shots so those were huge.”

    Will Whidden had 13 points with seven rebounds for the Tritons.

    Kai Van Olst had two big rebounds late in the game for the Tritons and Christian Fernandez made a crucial 3-pointer in the fourth quarter.

    Meza-Tallada led Trabuco Hills with 19 points and two steals on defense. Mowers had 12 points and 12 rebounds for the Mustangs.

    San Clemente will host San Juan Hills on Wednesday. San Juan Hills is in second place in the league standings and lost to San Clemente 61-54 on Jan. 10.

    Trabuco Hills will host Capistrano Valley Friday. The Mustangs beat Capo Valley 57-36 on Jan. 12.

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    ​ Orange County Register 

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    Cypress boys basketball continues push for Empire title with win over Tustin
    • January 23, 2024

    CYPRESS — Cypress boys basketball coach Derek Mitchell said his team is at its best in games played with an up-tempo pace.

    That was the case in the Centurions’ Empire League game against Tustin on Monday at Cypress High School.

    The Centurions got the ball up the court quickly and relied on the trio of Michael Wright, Jonah Kim and Ryan Gov for the bulk of the scoring in a 65-50 victory over the Tillers.

    With four league games remaining, Cypress (18-5, 6-0) remains undefeated and in first place in league play. The Tillers (14-10, 3-3) are in a third-place tie with Pacifica.

    “It’s a good start in the second half of the league for us,” Mitchell said. “Tustin is one of the top teams in our league, so we wanted to make sure we came out and get this victory so we still have a chance when we face Crean Lutheran.”

    The Saints (12-11, 5-1), who are in second place, defeated Kennedy 69-41 on Monday.

    Crean Lutheran’s only league loss this season came against the Centurions, and when the teams face off for the second time on Jan. 30 the league title could be on the line.

    Wright led all scorers with 24 points, Kim scored 17 and Gov finished with 15.

    “We all played a lot last year, so we’re all familiar with each other’s styles,” Kim said. “And then we had a good summer, and off that summer it just kind of built up … And as the games went on, leading into league, the chemistry just kept getting better and better.”

    Cypress took advantage of a slow start by the Tillers, jumping out to an 18-0 lead.

    Tustin went scoreless until the final minute of the first quarter when Brady Kong hit a pair of 3-pointers.

    The Tillers opened the second quarter on a 7-2 run to get to within 11 and Johnny Sagarino hit a 3-pointer later in the quarter to get Tustin within seven.

    But the Tillers couldn’t overcome the huge early deficit and never got any closer than seven the rest of the game.

    Cypress led, 39-31, early in the third before closing out the quarter on a 17-4 run to put the game out of reach heading into the fourth.

    Crean Lutheran went 10-0 in the Empire League in each of the past three seasons and the Centurions went 10-0 in each of the three seasons before that.

    With the Centurions expected to move to a different league next season, final bragging rights could be on the line along with the league title when the teams match up for the final time, Mitchell said.

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    ​ Orange County Register 

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    Girls basketball roundup: Anaheim, San Juan Hills, Sunny Hills post critical league victories
    • January 23, 2024

    Support our high school sports coverage by becoming a digital subscriber. Subscribe now

    Anaheim’s girls basketball team recognized the hunger in its upstart opponent Monday, and the passion in the home crowd rooting for an upset.

    The Colonists turned to their experience and conditioning to maintain their tight hold of the Orange League.

    Sophomores Aleah McGregor and Ashley Guzman combined for 31 points as visiting Anaheim extended its league winning streak to 63 consecutive games with a 54-37 victory at boisterous Savanna.

    McGregor, a point guard, scored a game-high 17 points and Guzman, a forward, added 14 points as Anaheim (22-1, 6-0) pulled away in the second half in a clash of CIF Southern Section-ranked teams.

    Anaheim, ranked second in Division 3AA, led 31-25 a halftime but forced 11 turnovers in the third quarter to take control.

    “These girls have played in big games,” Anaheim coach Vince Gomez said. “They’ve been around stuff like this. We beat Hesperia last year (in the playoffs) in double overtime. These sophomores were freshmen. They were part of that.”

    “So for them to feel a certain way (tonight), it’s more like, ‘Hey, I recognize my environment,’ ” he added.

    Anaheim started to make its move in the middle of the second quarter after Savanna (17-6, 4-2) tied the score at 22-22.

    The Colonists closed the first half on a 9-3 run and outscored the Rebels 11-5 in the third period.

    Senior point guard Elise Marquez highlighted Anaheim’s second-half surge with an assist to Guzman for a layup late in the third.

    End of 3rd: Anaheim 42, Savanna 30 pic.twitter.com/BIFkkAk7HF

    — Dan Albano (@ocvarsityguy) January 23, 2024

    McGregor credited Anaheim’s conditioning for forcing the turnovers and maintaining its fast-tempo well into the fourth.

    “As much those days of training are super-hard and all of us are like, ‘Oh, I can’t take it’ we all know when it comes down to being in the game, it shows,” said McGregor, who had seven steals and six assists. “We are able to last longer with our endurance … and it’s because of our coach.”

    Savanna, ranked first in Division 5AA, might have been closer at halftime but struggled at the free throw line, going 3 for 14 in the second quarter.

    Sophomore guard Camaila Carigma paced the Rebels with 12 points and three steals.

    Savanna coach Ramez Michail praised Anaheim but stayed positive about his team, which ran a 2-2-1 full-court press.

    “I’m happy about our progress,” he said. “It just wasn’t our time yet to take down the big dogs but we’re going to keep grinding and fighting because our prize is much bigger that a (league) banner. We’re trying do something special here. See how far we can go in CIF.”

    In the South Coast League:

    San Juan Hills 66, San Clemente 49:  Senior Sydney Peterson scored a career-high 28 points and Anna Shreeve added 23 as the host Stallions knocked off the No. 9 Tritons in the teams’ first league game.

    In the Freeway League:

    Sunny Hills 50, Sonora 40: Natalie Do scored 24 points and Erin Choi added 19 as the visiting Lancers swept the Raiders to maintain their hold of second place.

    In the Trinity League:

    Mater Dei 93, JSerra 36: Duke commit Jenessa Cotton continued her strong play with 25 points and 13 rebounds to lead the Monarchs (19-7, 6-0).

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    ​ Orange County Register 

    Read More
    Coco Gauff survives erratic start to reach Australian Open semifinals
    • January 23, 2024

    By SIMON CAMBERS The Associated Press

    MELBOURNE, Australia — Coco Gauff kept alive her hopes of back-to-back Grand Slam singles titles after beating Marta Kostyuk, 7-6 (6), 6-7 (3), 6-2, in an error-strewn quarterfinal match at the Australian Open on Tuesday (Monday night PT).

    The U.S. Open champion had 51 unforced errors, nine double faults and just 17 winners but battled past Kostyuk in 3 hours and 8 minutes.

    The 19-year-old American has now won 12 consecutive matches in Grand Slams.

    “I’m really proud of the fight I showed today,” said Gauff, who plays either defending champion Aryna Sabalenka or ninth-ranked Barbora Krejcikova in the semis.

    “Marta’s a tough player, we always have close matches,” Gauff added. “I really fought and left it all out on the court today. In the second set, I had an opportunity but I think I got passive. When I came out in the third I really tried to be a bit more aggressive.”

    Having lost just 15 games on her way to the quarters, Gauff was vulnerable early on against Kostyuk, the Ukrainian who was appearing in her first Grand Slam quarterfinal.

    Top-seeded Novak Djokovic, who has 10 Australian Open titles among his record 24 Grand Slam crowns, was taking on 12th-seeded American Taylor Fritz for a place in the semifinals. Djokovic has won all eight of their previous meetings.

    Sabalenka and Krejcikova were to play at night (overnight PT) before No. 4 Jannik Sinner met No. 5 Andrey Rublev.

    More to come on this story.

    ​ Orange County Register 

    Read More