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Oakton’s girls basketball team extended its undefeated start to 12 games with decisive victories over South County and Lake Braddock.
The Cougars defeated South County 60-39 before beating Lake Braddock 57-31 in two non-district contests. Combined with a 3-0 showing at their holiday tournament, the results gave Oakton its best opening since the 2021-22 team began 13-0.
Sophie Toole and Brooke Chang scored 21 points apiece against South County, while Jocelynn Kinlaw added nine. Oakton led 17-6 after the first quarter and created more separation during the third.
“South County is a very good team, and we played really well,” coach Fred Priester said. “We got good minutes out of our bench.”
Lake Braddock, despite entering the game with a 1-9 record, provided a tougher challenge than the final score suggested. The Bruins took an early 5-2 lead before Oakton responded with a 14-0 run in the first half. Lake Braddock remained within 10 points into the fourth quarter.
“They played very well, and we didn’t have our A-game,” Priester said.
Kinlaw led Oakton with 20 points and 10 rebounds, adding two blocks, two steals and two assists. Toole contributed 10 points, six steals, six assists and five rebounds, while Chang also scored 10.
Bailey Zimmerman finished with three points, five rebounds and multiple steals. Melissa Ally made two three-pointers, and Kara Bumbary supplied four points off the bench.
“I like how the team is working hard, gaining confidence and developing, and the bench is coming along,” Priester said.
Emily DePaul paced Lake Braddock with 14 points and six rebounds. Kaitlyn Lastra scored six, Elizabeth So had five and Pacey Magnuson added four. Emma Cajchun recorded two points, eight rebounds and one block.
Toole, Chang and Kinlaw are returning starters from an Oakton team that went 22-7 last season, won the Concorde District tournament and finished second in the region. The Cougars are again expected to compete for both championships.
Oakton also swept three games at the Cassel’s Holiday Classic from Dec. 27-30, defeating Patriot 72-29, Falls Church 56-37 and Holy Child 63-38.