Memorable year for Onishi, Barile

The 2007-2008 school has shaped up as a big one for Summit girls basketball coach Alexis Onishi and her assistant coach, Tony Barile.

Not only are the two getting married this spring on a cruise ship, but their SkyHawk basketball team has reached rarefied air with Saturday's CIF-SS Division III-AA title-game appearance against Los Angeles Marlborough. The game is at 2:45 p.m. at the Pyramid in Long Beach.

"It's definitely exciting," Onishi said. "It's the first time in school history (for a section title game). None of the kids here has ever been at a high school before, so this is all new to them. To see them go through the whole CIF process is pretty cool."

When you consider that Summit has no seniors, their quest becomes even more improbable.

Marlborough (20-9) is no easy touch, having won five consecutive section titles.

The Mustangs have lost their share of games, but have played a killer schedule, including setbacks to such powerhouses as Perris (54-37), San Jose Archbishop Mitty (58-37), Cajon (66-51) and Ventura (59-51).

The Mustangs' best player is guard Nikki Speed (12.1 points per game), who will play in the prestigious McDonald's All-American Game.

Onishi says the SkyHawks' lack of experience is a two-edged sword. On one hand Marlborough has been here before and could be more poised at nervous time. On the other hand, she suspects her girl's lack of savvy and knowledge of the event could pay dividends - sort of an ignorance-is-bliss philosophy.

At any rate, it will be exciting for Summit, which is led by junior 6-2 center Meghin Williams and sophomore 5-6 guard Arielle George, along with Adrianne Thomas, Maiya Michel and Alyssa Domingo.

The SkyHawks (28-1) have won 27 consecutive games since blowing a 16-point lead against Silveradome to lose 59-48.

"We led 20-4 in the first quarter and missed about every free throw for the rest of the game," Onishi said.

Summit, which hasn't experienced a lot of athletic success in its short history, is revved up. A rooter bus has been chartered and there will be a pep rally on Friday.

Win or lose, the excitement doesn't end for Summit, which has already earned automatic entry into the state tournament. That's the summit for any CIF-state team of any name.