HS Girls SS Winter Season 25-26 Predictions

General
1

Any thoughts for the upcoming Southern Section HS girls season?

2

The best (and only) preseason indicator we have is probably to look at the Fall Futures League outcomes for the high school girls. The majority of the teams who participated brought their varsity high school teams to play, rather than dividing up by 16u/18u which was great for competition. That said, several teams had players missing on key weekends for Academy trainings and college visits.

It was a Southern Section sweep for the top 8 spots in the “Fall Fling” tournament to finish the season. The usual suspects of Mater Dei, OLU, Oaks Christian, and Newport look to be dominant again. Wilson, CDM, and Foothill will also be strong and we will see the debut of Ethan Damato’s J Serra squad, who did quite well at Futures. Beckman will have a solid team as well. Who am I forgetting?

3

Being that the top 4 teams are all bringing back the core of their teams from the 2024/25 season, I expect Mater Dei, Oaks Christian, Newport Harbor, and OLu to battle it it out again. Any of these 4 schools can beat each other on any given day.

Here’s my “way too early” take on a top 10:

  1. Mater Dei
  2. Oaks Christian
  3. Newport Harbor
  4. OLu
  5. San Marcos
  6. JSerra
  7. LB Wilson
  8. CDM
  9. Foothill
  10. Beckman or Dos Pueblos

I think Laguna and Harvard Westlake will make some noise for inclusion in the top 10. I think Marlborough is up-and-coming (very well coached). I know I’m likely missing a school or two but alas, that’s why it’s my “way too early” top 10.

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4

Good list - San Clemente may make a run for that top 10, they have been steadily improving with the return of Logan.

I think the top 4 seem right, all with significant transfers except for Oaks. San Marcos will struggle losing 3 strong starters and still no goalie. Newport has the most depth and with Ross coaching has to be a favorite. OLU may need some time for Seidemann to get settled, but the talent is there. MD may be down a player or two at the beginning of the season, but expect them to be fighting to the end. Oaks will have a target on their backs, but it will be an uphill battle as they have no bench. The 5-10 spots will be a toss up and expect J Serra to make the biggest jump. Exciting season!

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