Santana Girls Basketball 2025 Winter Recap: A Breakthrough Season Led by Grit, Growth, and Leadership
The 2025 winter season will be remembered as a landmark year for the Santana High School Girls Basketball program. Under the leadership of Head Coach Mark Leflar, the team not only redefined its identity but also established itself as a force to be reckoned with in the region. What started as a team looking to build on modest past success quickly transformed into a tightly knit unit that racked up an impressive 25 wins — a dramatic leap from last year’s five-win season.
Exceeding Expectations: From Underdogs to Contenders
“Last season we had five wins — three of those by forfeit,” Coach Leflar recalled. “This year, we won 25 games. It was good to see the girls develop and buy in.”
The story of the season is one of commitment, resilience, and relentless growth. The coaching staff instilled a culture of hard work and accountability, and the players embraced it. The result was a group that not only played at a high level but also did so with heart, discipline, and unity.
Standout Players: A Mix of Experience and Emerging Talent
The team’s success would not have been possible without the outstanding contributions of several key players, each of whom brought something unique to the floor.
Junior Harper Diaz emerged as the backbone of the team — a true all-around player whose impact was felt on every possession. “Our best defender, best passer, and strongest offensive player,” said Coach Leflar. Whether it was creating opportunities for others, locking down opponents, or putting points on the board, Diaz’s consistent performance helped anchor Santana throughout the season.
Freshman Samantha Mora also made a name for herself, stepping into a significant role with poise beyond her years. “She gave the team a strong offensive game,” Leflar noted. Mora’s contributions as a freshman signal a bright future for the program.
A Defining Moment: The Game That Changed Everything
One of the most pivotal moments of the season came early on — the fifth game — against a familiar rival: Canyon Hills. Just weeks earlier, Santana had lost to them by 15 points. This time, they flipped the script.
“We beat Canyon Hills after losing to them by 15 the previous game. That’s when the coaches knew we had a special team,” Leflar said.
That victory didn’t just show growth on the scoreboard — it reflected a mental and emotional shift. The girls believed. From that point forward, the team carried a new confidence into each game.
Senior Leadership: Laying the Foundation for the Future
This season marked a turning point for the seniors as well. In their final year, they stepped into vital leadership roles — something that had been absent from the program the previous year.
“We didn’t have any seniors last season. So to see the five seniors grow and adopt the personality of the coaching staff was a joy,” said Leflar. “We, as coaches, relied on them to be vocal leaders on the floor.”
Among the seniors, Lala Carreno and Kaliyah Cruz distinguished themselves not just through their play, but with their presence and maturity. “They became the anchors of the team,” Leflar explained. “They grew stronger as vocal leaders, which made it easier as a coach when they were on the floor.”
Their leadership extended beyond games and into practices, where the tone was set daily.
Rising to the Occasion: Meeting Challenges Head-On
What stood out most about the team was its resilience. Injuries, tough losses, and high-pressure situations are part of any season, but this group handled adversity with a maturity beyond their years.
“Practices are so tough that they are prepared for challenges and situations,” said Leflar. “After a tough loss, they grew as players. They took the next practice even more seriously.”
That culture — one where every setback is seen as an opportunity for growth — helped Santana remain focused and hungry, regardless of the outcome on the scoreboard.
Building for the Future: A Program on the Rise
Perhaps what’s most exciting about this season isn’t just what the team accomplished — but what lies ahead.
With standout juniors like Harper Diaz returning and freshmen like Samantha Mora gaining experience, the future is bright for Santana basketball. “The team is young, and there is a lot of room to grow,” Leflar said. “I’m excited to see how we can improve on chemistry, dribbling, passing, and defense. I see a lot of good things.”
That blend of youth and experience provides a strong foundation for continued success. And Coach Leflar already has his eye on offseason improvements, starting with one specific area: “Dribbling.”
Looking Ahead: A Culture of Excellence
As the program turns the page on the 2025 season, it does so with confidence and momentum. The coaching staff has cultivated a culture of excellence — one grounded in hard work, team-first values, and personal accountability. The players have embraced that culture and made it their own.
With talented underclassmen ready to step into larger roles and a coaching staff committed to development, Santana is positioned to not just replicate this season’s success, but to build on it.
For fans and supporters eager to follow along, full stats and game results are available on MaxPreps.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 season wasn’t just about wins — although there were plenty. It was about transformation. A program that had once struggled for identity now stands tall with pride, purpose, and promise.
Coach Leflar summed it up best: “It was good to see the girls develop and buy in.”
They certainly did — and the results speak for themselves.
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