The562’s coverage of Millikan athletics in the 2023-24 school year is sponsored by Curtis Boyer.
The562’s coverage of Jordan Athletics is sponsored by former LBUSD superintendent Chris Steinhauser.
The rapid rise of the Jordan girls’ basketball program continued on Wednesday night, as the Panthers got in control early and cruised to a 59-33 win at Millikan to begin Moore League action.
J-Town improved to 9-2 on the season after a fourth consecutive victory, and third-year head coach Wesley Rosenbaum was pleased with how his team took care of business on the road.
“I’m so proud. They really came focused, locked in, and ready to play,” Rosenbaum said. “I think the first three quarters, they just felt ready and together, they executed the plan, played our style, and didn’t get lost in the energy of the room with it being opening night. They just went out there and executed.”
Senior guard Bryanna Moran led all scorers with 17 points in her Moore League debut, leading a balanced attack from Jordan. Savannah Hernandez hit a three-pointer in all four quarters to finish with 13 points. Janiah Lorn added nine points and Asia Edwards scored 8 with a handful of assists.
Jordan’s defense was active early and often, holding Millikan to just three made baskets in the first half, one of which was a buzzer-beating three pointer to end the first quarter. The Panthers were up 12-5 after the first eight minutes, and had a 30-11 lead at halftime.
“We know who we are, and I think we rep it and practice it,” said Rosenbaum of his team’s defensive identity. “We’re long, we’re big, and we take advantage of that. We move laterally well, we rotate, it’s like a full unit working together. And once we get one turnover and another shot, it really just picks up the momentum and carries over.”
The Panthers started the third quarter on a 12-0 run, and led by as many as 33 points later in that period. Moran was at the center of that spurt, scoring 15 of her 17 points across the middle portion of the game.
“To be honest, I was scared when I transferred in,” admitted Moran, who arrived at Jordan in the spring. “But when I walked into the door, I felt nothing but comfort with them bringing me in. They taught me that it’s not just winning games, playing together is what’s more important. We bonded and then most importantly, we just play as a team.”
Millikan didn’t roll over in the second half, and won the fourth quarter by a score of 12-7. Emily Piper was the leading scorer for the Rams with 11 points, while Faith Vergara added seven.
The victory gives Jordan three consecutive wins over Millikan, a program that’s deservedly earned its respect in Moore League girls’ basketball over the years. The significance of that isn’t lost on Rosenbaum, who took over a program that won just two games combined in the five seasons prior to his arrival on the North Side.
“It means a lot to come in here,” Rosenbaum said. “We got them twice last year, and I know they’ve been working hard, but we’ve been working harder. And I’m just really proud of this team and the resilience they’ve shown from when this thing all started. They deserve the success they’re getting.”
Jordan will take on West Torrance on Saturday, searching for a fifth consecutive victory. Millikan, meanwhile, will be at Wilson on Friday evening.
