The Coastal Christian boys and girls basketball teams have both qualified for the CIF Southern Section playoffs for the first time since the early 2000s.
Coastal Christian is unique in the fact that John Downum coaches the boys and girls varsity squads, and most of the time, the two teams practice together.
The girls, who finished the regular season with an 11-9 record, are making their third straight trip to the playoffs.
The boys return to the postseason for the first time since 2008 after capturing an undefeated Coast Valley League championship.
Coach Downum and his players say it’s an exciting time to be a Conqueror.
“Our season will be a success predicated on if they work well together, play hard, and whatever the outcome is based on that, ” said Downum. “As long as they’re working hard and trying their best, we’ve already been successful.”
“We’re super excited for the guys to be with us this year in the CIF playoffs,” added girls senior guard Melody Parker. “We support each other with every game. We’re at each other’s games, so we’re really one big team.”
“It’s so exciting,” exclaimed boys sophomore center Elijah Clark. “We’re super hyped and trying our best. Praise the Lord, you know, it’s pretty awesome.”
“It’s kind of like a family on our basketball team with boys and girls,” said girls junior forward Ally Frisby. “It feels really go to back there {playoffs}. ”
The girls travel to Newbury Park Adventist on Thursday night, while the boys host San Jacinto Valley Academy on Friday night at Valley Christian Academy in Santa Maria.
