Anaheim-- It was four years in the making for seniors Lauren Holiday and Nicole Tolbert. They both arrived at Campbell Hall as freshmen dreaming to duplicate their brothers’ success.
Steven Tolbert II, Justin and Jrue Holiday raised a CIF banner together in 2005.
After tough losses in the quarterfinals the past three years, the two younger sisters have finally achieved their goal hoisting up the school’s first ever CIF trophy in girls basketball.
“Since freshman year we’ve talked about where we were going to put our banner and we just talked about it,” said Tolbert, who scored 19 points and grabbed seven rebounds. “Now, it’s a dream come true. We finally have our names up and when people go in the gym and see our names (on the banner), they’ll say, oh, that was that one team that made history.”
Campbell Hall (21-6) defeated Brentwood 66-29 Wednesday for the Div. 4-A CIF-SS Championship at the Anaheim Convention Center.
The Vikings jumped out to a quick start 13-4 start and never looked back.
“They’re a wonderful team, so we knew we had to come in hard and strong immediately, and not wait until the second or third quarter,” said Coach Toya Holiday.
It was the second and third quarter where the Vikings gained major separation, outscoring Brentwood 35-8 to extend the lead to 54-17.
The charge was led by transfer Natalia Azad, who made six 3-pointers and scored a game-high 22.
“Entering high school I couldn’t even expect being here,” said Azad, who transferred from Calabasas and Montclair Prep before arriving at Campbell Hall. “Everything that I went through transferring, I’m just so glad that I ended up where I am right now. I love my team.”
The win means Campbell Hall advances to the first round of the Div. 4 State Championship tournament on Wednesday, March 7.
“It’s just really cool, it hasn’t hit me yet,” said UCLA-bound Lauren Holiday, who finished with 16 points, 18 rebounds and nine assists. “I’m so proud of my team.”
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