The 13-5 Culver City’s girls’ basketball Centaurs appear ready to defend their Ocean League title after they beat Morningside and Santa Monica last week to start league play 2-0.
Even after beating Santa Monica, 58-29, Centaur coach Julian Anderson was not totally satisfied.
“We are not consistent right now, but we are a lot deeper than I thought we were,” Anderson said after the win over Santa Monica.
Culver City will rely on senior captain Kelsey Ueda, sophomore Kailey Tooke and senior transfer Michelle Curry.
“We will ride them as fall as they will take us,” Anderson said.
Culver City advanced to the CIF regional playoffs last year.
“I think we have a mix of girls that can get the job done,” Ueda said. “We have a pretty good team this year, but we have to be more consistent and pick up our defensive intensity.”
For Ueda, the success last season had by Culver City places a target on its back and that makes the senior captain happy.
“I like it,” said Ueda. “I take it as a challenge.”
Culver’s number one challenge in the Ocean League is Inglewood. The Sentinels beat the Centaurs in November, 42-30, so they believe that they can return the favor this week.
“What’s good about this team is that they all get along,” Anderson said. “We are small, but we fight hard. They hold each other accountable without getting on each other’s nerves.”
Culver City will host Beverly Hills, Wednesday, Jan. 29, and will travel to Morningside, Friday, Jan. 31, for 6 p.m. games.