Millikan has won eight of the last nine Moore League gymnastics team titles, but Burroughs and Lakewood look like they’re ready to knock the Rams off the top of the podium this year.
The Moore League consists of Millikan, Lakewood, Wilson, Burroughs, Saint Joseph and Valley Christian because not all leagues and CIF sections have gymnastics. All six teams attended the Moore League preview meet two weeks ago, and Burroughs took the top spot (161.05) thanks in part to the performance of sophomore Izzy Roquemore who finished first individually. Lakewood (150.05) finished second, and Wilson (148.85) was third.
Burroughs finished second behind Millikan last year as senior Julia Fielder won her second consecutive individual title. Roquemore finished third individually, and looks ready to take over the top spot in league this season. The Burros travel more than three hours from Ridgecrest to compete in Long Beach, but Roquemore’s mom and coach said that’s all her team can do in order to keep their team alive.
“There’s no other option,” Burroughs coach Cheryl Roquemore said last year. “These girls want to keep this program alive because they want an opportunity to compete for their school.”
Lakewood visits Burroughs on Friday, April 5 for what could end up being a league championship meet at the Ridgecrest Gymnastics Academy. Burroughs beat Wilson last Friday.
Freshman Sophia Sanchez is the new emerging start at Lakewood. She finished second at the league preview behind Roquemore. Junior Jasia Espiritu finished fourth behind Burroughs freshman Kayley Stewart, and has been a top finisher for the past three years, so the future of the league looks bright with four underclassman in the top six individually.
“(Sanchez and Espiritu) are getting warmed up for the season,” Lakewood coach Michelle Kaeka said. “They have great intentions on pushing themselves to make the All-League team, and to help the team be competitive.”
Lakewood last won the league title in 2015 and 2009.
Friday Schedule
Burroughs at Millikan
Wilson at Lakewood
St. Joseph vs. Valley Christian at YMCA
