2014-15 Sierra Canyon Girls Basketball Media Guide

Sierra Canyon TrailblazerS

BASKETBALL

2014-2015

Back-to-Back California State Champions

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Sierra Canyon TrailblazerS2014-2015 Girls’ Basketball Roster(sorted alphabetically)

# Name Ht Pos Yr

22 Kennedy Burke 6’ 2” G Sr.

5 Kayla Chong 5’ 3” G Fr.

21 Shivon Ganther 5’ 3” G Jr.

35 Alexis Griggsby 5’ 7” G So.

24 Emma Martin 5’ 11” G So.

1 Gabi Nevill 5’ 7” G Sr.

11 Tori Nevill 5’ 8” G So.

23 Ryann Payne 5’ 7” G Fr.

3 Spencer Vinson 6’ 1” F Jr.

4 Cheyanne Wallace 6’ 0” F Sr.

Letterwinners Returning 8Letterwinners Lost 2Starters Returning 4Starters Lost 1New Players 2

Back-to-back Champs The 2013-14 Lady Trailblazers won the CIF State Division IV Championship for the second straight year on Saturday, March 28, 2014, defeating Justin Siena 64-37 in Sacramento.

SierraCanyonSchool 20801 Rinaldi StreetChatsworth, CA 91311

P: 818-882-8121E: [email protected]: www.sierracanyonschool.org

2014-15 MediaGuideBasketball

GirlS’ baSkeTball ProGram2014-15 Season Preview2014-2015 finds the Sierra Canyon Girls’ basketball team as defending California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) State Champions, returning eight of the ten players from last year’s team. Our motto this season is “Prove It.” The Trailblazers are committed to being consistent in their discipline and selflessness, and are striving to reach their potential in the classroom, on the court, and in the community. Our student athletes will strive to fulfill our self-appointed purpose; being persistent in our work ethic to put another banner in the gym.

The Trailblazers begin the preseason ranked nationally in several publications and should be tested with their toughest schedule in school history. This season, our team will face six former California State Champions in their single game opponents and travel to Washington, DC to play in the Title IX National Tournament, one of the most prestigious tournaments in the country.

The highly regarded duo of Cheyanne Wallace (pictured at right) and Kennedy Burke lead the charge in their anticipated senior season. Both Wallace and Burke will be looking to surpass 1,500 career points and 1,000 career rebounds this season – a fitting end to their Sierra Canyon careers as the top two student athletes in most statistical categories in school history. Burke, a Team USA Gold Medalist, will be attending UCLA next year, while Wallace will begin her college career at Loyola Marymount University.

As a team, the Lady Trailblazers will rely on their pressure defense, versatile offense, and athleticism for another productive season. Rounding out the upperclassman are: Senior sharpshooter and defensive stopper: Gabi Nevill, and juniors, Spencer Vinson, and Shivon Ganther. Each are two-time state champions, providing experience and guided passion while mentoring younger teammates.

The team also features some young talent. Sophomore Alexis Griggsby was a new comer to Sierra Canyon last year, and also the LA Daily News “Newcomer of the Year.” She is looking to build upon a strong freshman season. Freshman Ryann Payne will lead the team at the point guard spot, using her speed and athleticism on both ends of the floor while underclassmen Kayla Chong, Tori Nevill, and Emma Martin will be incredibly impactful in this year’s run.

Last season was a record setting year for the Lady Trailblazers, and this year’s team wants to prove their worth. Our veteran-led team will look to build upon its current ten game state winning streak – an area record – and hopes to make a strong run in the CIF Open Division playoffs. We are excited to be a part of the national rise of Sierra Canyon Basketball, and we thank you for supporting us on our quest for another championship! Go SC!

Alicia Komaki, Head CoachSierra Canyon Girls’ Basketball

#22 Kennedy BurkePosition: Guard

Grade: 12 Class: 2015

Favorite Subject: Spanish 4

Favorite Movie: Transformers

Favorite part of playing on a team at Sierra Canyon: The coaches are very supportive and motivated us with a positive mindset going into the State Championship.

Biggest learning experience: Discovering my weaknesses and turning them into strengths, and learning how to take criticism as motivation, hard work beats talent any day.

Possible College Major / Area of Study: I want to get my degree at UCLA possibly in sports medicine.

#5 Kayla ChongPosition: Guard


Favorite Subject: History

Favorite Song: I will always love you by Whitney Houston

Possible area of study: Sports Medicine

Most memorable moment at Sierra Canyon: So far my experience at Sierra has been great - my teachers are supportive and overall I love the school. My teachers have taught me better ways to study and are always encouraging me to do my best.

#21 Shivon GantherPosition: Guard


Favorite Subject: Mathematics

Favorite Movie: The Great Gatsby

Most memorable moment at Sierra Canyon: Winning the State championship two years in a row.

Biggest learning experience at Sierra Canyon: Learning to never give up on myself when facing an academic challenge.

Goal in life / Possible College Major: Computer Science or Software Engineering

#35 Alexis GriggsbyPosition: Guard


Favorite Subject: History and Spanish

Favorite Food: Soul Food

Hero: My Mom

Biggest learning experience at Sierra Canyon: Learning to juggle playing two sports, and keeping up with my homework.

Possible College Major / Area of Study: Get a Law Degree possibly with an emphasis in civil rights.

#24 Emma MartinPosition: Guard


Favorite Subject: Chemistry and Geometry

Favorite part of playing on a team at Sierra Canyon: The great environment, it’s like a second family - we all look out for each other and share a love for the game.

Biggest learning experience at Sierra Canyon: The teachers have enabled me to learn so much. They have taught me how to be a better student, and on the court, our coaches have taught me so much as a player.

Goal in life: To become a successful architectural or environmental engineer - but mostly to be happy in life.

#1 Gabi NevillPosition: Guard


Favorite Subject: Mathematics

Favorite Food: Sushi

Biggest learning experience at Sierra Canyon: Balancing school work and basketball, because I have learned better study skills for my AP classes.

Most memorable athletic moment at Sierra Canyon: When we lost in the second round of CIF as a freshman, because it taught me to grow from the loss, and we then won two State Championships.

SierraCanyonSchool

Meet the 2014-15 Trailblazers

#5 Kayla Chong

#1 Gabi Nevill

#21 Shivon Ganther

#23 Ryann Payne#3 Spencer Vinson


#11 Tori NevillPosition: Guard


Favorite Subject: English

Favorite Food: Ice Cream

Favorite Movie: Bring it On: All or Nothing

Favorite part of playing at Sierra Canyon: Everyone supports you, and encourages you to be the best person possible.

Biggest learning experience at Sierra Canyon: The classes here are hard, however the hardwork pays off. I know that if I stay focused, I can be successful. I feel Sierra Canyon is the best place for me to prepare for college, and maybe be a business woman.

#23 Ryann PaynePosition: Point Guard



Favorite Movie: Space Jam

Favorite Food: Fettuccine Alfredo, pizza, and fruit

Hero: My parents

Possible College Major: Sports Medicine

Most memorable moment at Sierra Canyon: Coming in as a new freshman, meeting other new students and the teachers. I’ve been inspired to work harder on my studies, and staying focused so I can cooperate and be successful.

#11 Spencer VinsonPosition: Forward


Favorite Subject: US History

Favorite Song: Break Your Heart Right Back by Ariana Grande

Favorite part of playing at Sierra Canyon: The bond I have with my team and the coaches are helpful, supportive, and motivational.

Most memorable experience at Sierra Canyon: Traveling to Sacramento my freshman year and winning State.

Biggest learning experience at Sierra Canyon: Traveling to Boston in 8th grade - it was a great learning experience and one where I was responsible while away from my family.

Goal in life: I want to get a degree in Robotics or maybe Physical Therapy, and travel overseas to play basketball.

#4 Cheyanne WallacePosition: Guard



Hero: My Grandma Dee and my Dad

Favorite part of playing at Sierra Canyon: Everyone is treated as family - the staff, teachers, administrators, and coaches from every sport are supportive of the team and make sure we are doing our best in class and in games.

Most memorable experience at Sierra Canyon: After we won the State Championship, we realized what we just did. Everyone recognized the hard work we had put into our entire season, and I felt that as a team, we had accomplished something we had individually been dreaming of - all of our hard work paid off.

Biggest learning experience during a game: A young girl came up and said she was a huge fan of our team. From then on, I learned that even if I know it or not, someone is looking up to us, and I realized I need to have the best character, because you never know who it will affect around you.

Possible College Major / Area of Study: Marketing

#24 Emma Martin

#22 Kennedy Burke

#35 Alexis Griggsby

#11 Tori Nevill

Sierra Canyon’s 2014-2015 Varsity Girls’ Basketball team is a member of Nike’s Elite High School Basketball Program.

#4 Cheyanne Wallace

SierraCanyonSchool

Media InformationThe 2014-15 Sierra Canyon School Basketball Media Guide was prepared by the Athletics Office and Communications Department. All information included was accurate as of December 3, 2014.

If you require additional photos, statistics, interviews, or any other information, contact the Sierra Canyon Athletics Office at 818-882-8121 x405.

Press ReservationsIf you plan on covering Sierra Canyon Athletic events, please contact the Sierra Canyon Athletics Office at 818-882-8121 x405 so we can be prepared for your visit.

ServicesHalftime and final statistics will be provided by the Athletics Office after each home game. Media guides, rosters, and statistics will be provided at the press table before the home game.

2014-15 Girls’ Trailblazers ScheduleDay Date Opponent TimeWe Nov 26 JSerra 12 noon

McDonald’s Classic Tournament Eastwood High, El Paso, TexasTh Dec 4 TBA TBAFr Dec 5 TBA TBASa Dec 6 TBA TBA

Santa Barbara Tournament of ChampionsSanta Barbara High School, Santa Barbara, CAFr Dec 19 TBA TBASa Dec 20 TBA TBAMo Dec 22 TBA TBATu Dec 23 TBA TBA

Title IX Holiday Invitational Conference and ClassicWashington, DCSa Dec 27 McDonogh (MD) 6 pm

Mo Dec 29 TBA TBATu Dec 30 TBA TBA

Sierra Canyon Super ShowcaseSierra Canyon School, Chatsworth, CaliforniaSa Jan 10 TBA TBA

Th Jan 15 @ Crossroads * 5:30 pm

St. Mary’s MLK ShowcaseSt Mary’s School, St0ckton, CA Sa Jan 17 St. Marys Stockton 1 pm Mo Jan 19 Bishop O’Dowd 4 pm

Tu Jan 20 Campbell Hall * 5:30 pm Th Jan 22 Brentwood * 5:30 pm

Sa Jan 24 @ Troy High School 7 pm Tu Jan 27 Paraclete * 5:30 pm Tu Feb 3 @ Viewpoint * 5:30 pm Th Feb 5 @ Windward * 5:30 pm

Gold Coast Conference TournamentSa Feb 7 Quarterfinals TBATu Feb 10 Semifinals TBATh Feb 12 Finals (Viewpoint School) 5 pm

All times are localSchedule subject to change* = Gold Coast Conference Game

2013-14 ResultsAlpha League Standings (CIF: Southern Section)

League OverallSchool Name W-L *Pct. *PF *PA W-L Pct. PF PAWindward 8-0 1.000 542 319 26-3 0.897 1762 1206Sierra Canyon 6-2 0.750 485 339 28-4 0.875 1936 1408Brentwood School 4-4 0.500 424 431 26-8 0.765 1870 1484Milken 1-7 0.125 295 471 8-16 0.333 1015 1114Campbell Hall 1-7 0.125 338 524 14-11 0.560 1233 1179

Player Spotlight KENNEDY BURKE, Senior When she’s at her best, the 6-foot-2 guard (pictured above) is the area’s most dominant player, as evidenced by her 20-point, 24-rebound, six-block performance against Alemany in the Open Division. The Alpha League and Open Division first-team selection averaged 14.5 points, 13 rebounds and better than three blocks per game, including 15 points, 15 rebounds and six blocks in the Division IV regional final against Serra. On November 13, 2014, Burke signed a national letter of intent to play basketball at UCLA.

CHEYANNE WALLACE, SeniorWith a 21-point, 18-rebound performance in the Division IV state final against Justin-Siena, the 6-foot forward capped one of the most productive seasons in program history. Wallace, an All-Alpha League selection, averaged 15.7 points and better than 10 rebounds and two blocks per game. She was an all-tournament selection at the national Naples Holiday Shootout, scoring in double figures in every game. On November 13, 2014, Wallace signed a national letter of intent to play basketball at Loyola Marymount.

ALEXIS GRIGGSBY, SophomoreAlthough her season got off to a slow start after recovering from an injury, Griggsby found her rhythm by the time postseason arrived and was instrumental in the Trailblazers winning another state title. Although she averaged 8.3 points for the season, Griggsby contributed 12 points per game in the playoffs, including 15 in both the Division IV regional final against Serra and state championship against Justin-Siena.

Alicia Komaki, Head Coach

Coach Komaki just completed her second season as Head Coach at Sierra Canyon after spending the previous two seasons at Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, CA. Komaki led the Sierra Canyon Trailblazers Girls to a Division 5AA California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Championship and Division 5 State Championship in 2013 and followed that with a 2014 Division 4 State Championship. In 2013, Komaki was named the CIF and Cal-Hi sports State Division 5 Coach of the Year. In 2014, Komaki was named the Daily News Coach of the Year by the Los Angeles Daily News newspaper.

Under Coach Komaki, the Trailblazers have received national recognition and were ranked in both MaxPreps and ESPN-W’s Top 25 National polls. After winning their second state title in as many years, Sierra Canyon became the first girls basketball program in the area to win back-to-back state titles. Komaki is one of four CIF Southern Section coaches to lead their girls basketball team to state titles in their first two Finals appearances.

In 2011 and 2012, as an Assistant Coach at Mater Dei, Komaki was a part of a coaching staff that won two undefeated Trinity league titles, back-to-back CIF Championships, and back-to-back State Championships. In 2011, they were also National Champions. Prior to Mater Dei, Komaki spent six seasons coaching at her alma mater, Troy High School in Fullerton, CA. At Troy, Komaki led her squads to six undefeated league championships over a six year period with a winning percentage of 86% as an Associate Head Coach. During that same period, eighteen players went on to play at the college level.

Komaki played high school basketball under Kevin Kiernan at Troy High and was a 4-year starter and 2-year captain, leading the team as a Junior to Troy’s first girls basketball CIF Championship. Komaki’s honors also include 1st team All-League, OC Register 1st team All-County, 1st team All-CIF, 1st team All-State, LA Times All-Region, and McDonald’s All American Nominee. She currently holds records at Troy for most 3’s made in a career, game, and season, and is 3rd All Time for career assists. Komaki went on to play D1 at Pepperdine University under Mark Trahk.

“I came to Sierra Canyon to establish a tradition of excellence. I wanted to give my players the unique experience of playing for a CIF and State Championship. That was my goal and to their credit, they bought into my approach. Now, the bigger picture goal is to maintain that success,” Komaki said.

Coach Komaki’s Profile Hometown: Villa Park, CA

College: Long Beach State / Concordia

Position played: Point Guard

Years Coaching at Sierra Canyon: 3

Total Years Coaching: 11

Academic Responsibilities: Keep students focused and disciplined.

Favorite part of coaching at Sierra Canyon: Working with great student athletes! The support of the families, administration, and other coaches has been great, and I’m fortunate to have a front row seat!

Greatest accomplishment from last year: Setting school and local records for our young program.

Opportunity on which to build this coming year: Being ranked 12 consecutive weeks in the national Top 25 last year, with a very tough schedule. This year’s will be the toughest in school history.

Expectation for this year: To put a banner in the gym - I want our Senior Class to end their Sierra Canyon careers as winners.

Goal in life: Build and maintain meaningful relationships, and to make an impact, to make the lives of others better.


Assistant Coach Jeremy White

Strength andConditioning Coach Paige White

Trailblazer Fast FactsLocation Chatsworth, California 19 miles from downtown Los AngelesFounded 1978Enrollment 410 (9th - 12th Grade)Nickname TrailblazersColors Navy Blue, Silver, and White

Head of School Jim SkrumbisAthletic Director Rock PillsburyPhone 818-882-8121 x 405Email [email protected]

Athletic DepartmentEmail [email protected] www.sierracanyonschool.org/athletics

Head Coach Alicia KomakiPhone 818-882-8121 x 412Email [email protected]

Alumni at the College LevelBucknell: Jorden Sneed Concordia: Zoe Goss

Sierra Canyon’s 2014-2015 Varsity Girls’ Basketball team is a member of Nike’s Elite High School Basketball Program.

85Different Athletic Teams

A Word from Jim Skrumbis,Sierra Canyon Head of School

Sierra Canyon School is proud of our student athletes, because they reflect what lies at the heart of our culture: Excellence is its own reward.

As a premier independent school in Southern California, our average class size is 12 students. Our tuition rate of $31,150 ensures students receive an elite education with AP and Honors courses coupled with a traditional Liberal Arts curriculum. 60% of our faculty have advanced degrees, and they provide students with critical thinking skills, insight, and knowledge.

As a result, our students are matriculating into the highly competitive marketplace of advanced education, to the finest colleges and universities across the nation including Harvard, Yale, Cornell, USC, Michigan, Stanford, Duke, Johns Hopkins, Georgetown, NYU, Purdue, and UCLA.

We have 1,000 students who reflect our global society and the diversity of greater Los Angeles. International students come to Sierra Canyon from five different countries, and our students graduate with an average SAT score of 1850. 98% of our graduates go on to a 4-year college or university.

Student athletes understand that winning games will get them only so far in life. They spend 2 hours a day on the court in practice, and on average another 15 hours a week on homework.

In today’s ever-changing global society, I know all of our students are well prepared for whatever they encounter as members of society.

Our Athletic Program has won state titles in the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) for Girls’ Basketball (2012 and 2013), Football (2011), and Girls’ Soccer (2011), and sectional titles in Football, Boys’ Basketball, Girls’ Basketball, and Girls’ Soccer. As this media guide goes to press, this year’s football team was heading into the CIF Southern Section playoffs.

I hope you enjoy watching our teams play this season, and look forward to welcoming you to our 35-acre campus in the San Fernando Valley so you can see first hand the value of a Sierra Canyon education.

Go Trailblazers!

98%of our graduates

Attend 4-year universities

22Advanced Placement

Courses

12:1ratio of

Students toTeachers

1850Average SAT score

$31,150Annual Tuition

80%of our graduates who apply to

Highly Selective Universities

are admitted.

19miles from

DowntownLos Angeles

Documents

2014-15 Sierra Canyon Girls Basketball Media Guide