“We have seven sophomores and a freshman playing for us,” CdM Coach Mark Decker said. “We have had some good success this year, but I think it also bodes well for the future. We will graduate two seniors who are a big part of the team, but we’re going to be fine.
“I don’t see this as a one-year thing or an aberration. I think it’s going to be something that’s pretty consistent from here on out.”
Bergsma is second on the team in scoring, averaging 10.3 points per game.
Corona del Mar will play host to Estancia tonight at 5:30.
The Eagles (9-4) have also been powered by a youth movement that’s helped them triple their win total from a year ago. They’ve lost twice to the Sea Kings this season, but they were in both games, a 58-47 loss in the title game of the CdM-Estancia Tournament, and a 43-40 setback in the Liberty Christian Tournament.
Sophomore Kassie Stratton, who leads Estancia in scoring with 16.2 points per game, has shown to be one of the best players in the area. She’s also been the catalyst for the Eagles’ turnaround year.
Junior Erika Soto, who averages 11 points per game, and her younger sister, Brenda, a sophomore, have also been helping the Eagles, who have just one senior in Amy Martinez. Five sophomores and three juniors make up the rest of the Estancia roster.
“[Stratton is] a very talented player,” Estancia co-coach Xavier Castellano said. “I think the reason that she’s scoring so much is because everyone has started playing defense. She’s stepping up as a defender, too.
“Brenda and Erika have done so much ... they’re the ones that get us going.”
