Girls Basketball

Inside Out Coaching Initiative

Transformational Statement:

The Crean Lutheran Girls Basketball program's foundation lies within Jesus Christ and building Christ-like character through the game of basketball. As a program we are determined to be ambassadors of Christ through his teachings of teamwork, sportsmanship, and respect which are emphasized throughout our experience together on the court, in the classroom and in our prospective communities.

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us. Ephesians 3:20

Crean Lutheran Girls Basketball Mission Statement

The Crean Lutheran Girls Basketball program’s foundation lies within Christ and building Christ-like character through the beauty of the game of basketball. As a program we are determined to be ambassadors of Christ through his teachings of Faith, Hope and Love that are emphasized throughout our experiences together on and off the court.

Upcoming Girls Basketball Events

RSS Feeds Subscribe to Alerts

Jun 17 2024

Summer Basketball-G Training JV/FS Subscribe to Alerts

7:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Event Center

Jun 17 2024

Summer Basketball-G Training VR Subscribe to Alerts

12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Event Center

Jun 18 2024

Summer Basketball-G Training JV/FS Subscribe to Alerts

7:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Event Center

view girls basketball game schedule

View athletics Calendar

Coaches

Bianca Ziemann - Varsity co-head Coach

Coach Bianca Ziemann, "Coach B", is going into her 5th year as the Director of Basketball & Varsity Co-Head Coach and her 4th year as the Assistant Director of Strength & Performance. Previous to Crean Lutheran High School she served as the Assistant Coach at her Alma Mater Edison High School where her team had an undefeated (10-0) Sunset League Championship and Runner-up in the CIF Finals in 2008-2009 season. She then took her talents to the collegiate level where she gained a plethora of training and experience as the Assistant Coach for the following programs: Southern Utah University (2009-2011), Loyola Marymount University (2011-2012), University of Oregon (2012-2014), and Santa Clara University (2014-2015).

Coach B has a tremendous list of accomplishments as an athlete, which she attributes to God and her amazing parents, Neal & Terice Ziemann. At Edison High School Coach B was a dual-athlete in Track & Field and Basketball where she earned her Varsity letters all four years. Most notably, she was inducted into the girls basketball Hall of Fame. Following her high school career she earned a full-ride scholarship at Loyola Marymount University (2002-2006) where she helped lead her team to the school's first WCC Championship, WCC Tournament Championship and a first round NCAA tournament appearance. While at LMU she received her BA in Business Management. At the conclusion of her collegiate career, Coach B played professionally overseas for Amazone, Netherlands from 2006-2007. She led the team to a Final Four and Semi-final appearance and started in the Netherlands All-Star game.

Click here to listen to the Concordia University Irvine's Masters in Coach Podcast featuring Coach Ziemann.

RACHAEL ZIEMANN - VARSITY CO-HEAD COACH

Crean Lutheran Co-Head Coach Rachael Ziemann, is in her fifth season at Crean Lutheran and 3rd overall season coaching at the high school level. Previous to coaching at Crean Lutheran she coached as the Assistant Coach at her Alma Mater Edison High School in the 2012-2013 season. As a standout 4 year varsity letter earner in Track & Field and Basketball and Hall of Famer for boths sports she then extended her career at Loyola Marymount University where she played basketball all 4 years as a full-ride scholarship athlete. She and her team in 2003-2004 won the University’s first Conference Championship, Tournament Championship and NCAA berth. Most importantly, she received her BA in Business Management. She went on to coach 4 seasons at the collegiate level starting with Central Washington University (2007-2010) where she also achieved her MS in Health, Human Performance & Recreation Sports & Athletic Administration. She concluded her collegiate career at Southern Utah University in 2011.

Nicknamed Coach Rae, she stresses the importance of daily diligence of working on one’s game through the fundamentals, striving to never settle when it comes to being a good teammate and lastly leading with christ-like character.

Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven. ‭‭Luke‬ ‭10:19-20‬

guillermo Nunez - Head Junior Varsity Coach

Guillermo Nunez (Coach G) was a multiple sport athlete in high school and excelled at both football and basketball. Receiving offers for both sports he decided to stick with the hardwood which he loved most. Before relocating to Irvine in 2020, he grew up in a small town called Manteca, located in the middle of the central valley. He attended William Jessup University where he played all four years aiding the team to appear in their first NAIA sweet sixteen appearance.

After his college days were over, Coach G had the opportunity to play for a local ABA team but decided to earn his MBA as he coached at the high school level. Returning to his alma mater, he coached three years of boys’ basketball where he succeeded as a leader and a mentor winning multiple tournaments and earning runner up for the league title on three occasions. Coach G also led and ran an AAU program called Central Valley Warriors in Northern California. Receiving an offer to coach at the Men’s Junior College level, earning his teaching credential was next on the top of his list.

Training and working with several collegiate and high school players, Coach G is ready to learn and share the game of basketball with the Crean Lutheran High School coaching staff!

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27

Mike Shumaker - Junior Varsity assistant Coach

The Lady Saints are excited to have Coach Mike Shumaker in his first year as Junior Varsity Assistant Coach. Coach Mike is also the Athletic Director at Mission Viejo Christian School, where he has coached Girls Basketball for the past 7 years, as well as coaching Girls Volleyball and both Girls and Boys Football. Coach Mike's favorite thing about coaching Girls Basketball is watching the girls grow and get better; he enjoys seeing them develop love for the game!

Coach Mike grew up in Fallbrook, CA. He has a degree in English Literature and is a certified Shakespeare nerd. In his free time, he enjoys paddleboarding, football, baseball, basketball, reading, theater, and movies. He also enjoys spending time with his wife Michele, teenage daughters Elena and Annabelle, and dogs Libby and The General, George Washington Shumaker (George).

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13

Carlos Jimenez - volunteer JV Assistant

Carlos Jimenez played two years at local Junior College, Saddleback College in Mission Viejo where he helped lead his team to a state championship his sophomore year in 2015. He went on to earn an athletic scholarship to play basketball for William Jessup University, a private NAIA D1 Christian university in Northern California for the remainder of his career, earning a B.S. in Business Management. His love for the game and impacting others led Coach Carlos to start UYP Basketball Academy, a youth basketball program offering private training, club, camp, rec, and more to athletes of all ages and abilities. Coach Jimenez has been coaching and training for over 10 years, giving him the opportunity to work with professional, collegiate, High School, and youth players from all over the world.

“The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” Hebrews 13:6

Virginia Zekaria - Assistant frosh-soph coach

Virginia Zekaria is the Assistant Coach for the Crean Lutheran Fresh/Soph Team. This is Virginia’s second year coaching at Crean Lutheran and she is so grateful to be working with amazing coaches and to be part of this incredible program. Virginia discovered her love for coaching 5 years ago and has coached Girl’s Basketball and Girl’s Volleyball for 4th-8th graders at Mission Viejo Christian School. She enjoys coaching recreational NJB basketball during the off-season. Virginia was a multi-sport athlete in high school, but basketball was always her passion. Her team was very successful, and she had the unique opportunity to play against the Chinese National Team. She went on to play in college but shifted gears during college to focus on her educational goals of becoming a Physical Therapist. Virginia is passionate about basketball and building-up each athlete as a person and a player to reach their full potential.
I have fought the good fight! have finished the race and I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7

John o'malley - coach

Mr. O’Malley has multiple decades of experience as a player and coach. He played and coached at the collegiate level, as well as high school and club levels. John's prior experience includes assistant coach at Vanguard University, founder/head coach of various Southern California club teams, head/assistant coach for OC Elite and SV Elite, summer league, all-star, and youth coaching. He has also been a team scout at various levels. Mr. O'Malley is a graduate of Amherst College and Boston College Law School, cum laude. He and his wife Carrie are proud parents of two former Crean Lutheran All-CIF athletes, Shannon and Jack. They live locally in Irvine.

Mr. O’Malley is a civil litigation attorney who mainly handles business, employment, and technology cases. He has won substantial victories on behalf of his clients and has garnered a reputation as a skilled, ethical advocate. As defense counsel, he has prevailed in cases involving billions of dollars in exposure and served as national counsel to various Fortune 500 companies.

Over the last two decades, he has been involved in securing over $200 million in verdicts and settlements on behalf of his clients, who have lauded his legal skills and the favorable impact his results have had on their lives. Legal matters he has been involved with have received international, national, and local press coverage, including articles published in the The Wall Street Journal, Reuters, The Daily Journal, The Orange County Business Journal, and other publications. Mr. O’Malley has been selected as a Super Lawyer for many years and has been included in other Who’s Who lists pertaining to the practice of law in Southern California. He has been a guest legal expert on KFI Radio and a lecturer at other events on a variety of legal topics.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4

Girls Basketball Spirit Store

Photos

Results: Max Preps

College Athletes

Lizzie Elder, Class of 2023, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, Basketball

Taylor Feldman, Class of 2022, Northern Arizona University, Basketball

Hailee Daniel, Class of 2020, Covenant College, Basketball

Lady Saints History

2022-2023 Season (18 wins, 11 losses)

Co-Head Coaches: Bianca Ziemann and Rachel Ziemann

2nd Place Empire League

Jane Hewitt: All Tournament Selection for Battle of the Beach
Sydnee Norwood: All Tournament Selection for Arizona Nike Tournament of Champions
Quinsey Bryan: First Team All-Empire League
Lizzie Elder: First Team All-Empire League
Jane Hewitt: Second Team All-Empire League
Syndee Norwood: Second Team All-Empire League

2021-2022 Season (22 wins, 5 losses)

2021-2022 (22 wins, 5 losses)

Co-Head Coaches: Bianca Ziemann and Rachel Ziemann

Empire League (10-0), 1st Place (First-time Empire League Champions)

Taylor Feldman, League Most Valuable Player
Jane Hewitt, 1st Team All-League
Emily Reed, 1st Team All-League
Ashley Heyer, 2nd Team All-League
Sydnee Norwood, 2nd Team All-League

All-Orange County

Taylor Feldman, 1st Team

CIF Semi-Finalist, Division 2AA

Taylor Feldman, 1st Team All-CIF 2AA
Emily Reed, 2nd Team All-CIF 2AA

State Regional Round 1, Division 2, Southern Division
2,000 Career Points – Taylor Feldman (December 2021)
Battle at the Beach Redondo Beach Tournament, 3rd Place

Taylor Feldman, All-Tournament

Tri-City San Diego Tournament, Tournament Champions

Emily Reed, Tournament Most Valuable Player
Jane Hewitt, All-Tournament

Taylor Feldman:
Battle at the Beach All-Tournament

Emily Reed:
Tri-City Tournament MVP

Jane Hewitt:
Tri-City All-Tournament

2020-2021 Season (15 wins, 5 losses)

2019-2020 Season (28 wins, 6 losses)

2019-2020 (28 wins, 6 losses)

Coach: Bianca Ziemann

Empire league (8-2), 2nd place

Taylor Feldman, 1st Team All-League
Shannon O'Malley, 1st Team All-League
Hailee Daniel, 2nd Team All-League
Trinity Cha, 2nd Team All-League

CIF Finalist, Division 3AA

Taylor Feldman, 1st Team All-CIF 3AA
Shannon O'Malley, 1st Team All-CIF 3AA

All Orange County

State Regional Round 2, Division 2, Southern Division

Taylor Feldman, 2nd Team

2nd Team All State Sophomore

Taylor Feldman

La Habra Thanksgiving Tournament Runner-Up

Taylor Feldman, All Tournament
Shannon O'Malley, All Tournament

Tri-City Holiday Tournament Champions

Taylor Feldman, MVP
Shannon O'Malley, All Tournament

2018-2019 Season (25 wins, 7 losses)

2018-2019 (25 wins, 7 losses)

Coach: Kelsi Walker
Empire league (7-3), 2nd place

Taylor Feldman, 1st Team All-League
Shannon O'Malley, 2nd Team All-League
Allison Reed, 2nd Team All-League
Hailee Daniel, 2nd Team All-League
Emily Reed, Honorable Mention

CIF Semi-Finalist, Division 4A

Taylor Feldman, 1st Team All-CIF
Shannon O'Malley, 1st Team All-CIF

State Regional Round 1, Division 4, Southern Division

2017-2018 Season (11 wins, 14 losses)

2016-2017 Season (20 wins, 12 losses)

Coach: Kelsi Walker
Academy League (8-4), 2nd place

Kylie Needham, 1st Team All-League
Erin Koyamatsu, 1st Team All-League
Mason Busler, 2nd Team All-League
Shannon O'Malley, 2nd Team All-League
Jennifer Mazzarini, Honorable Mention

CIF Finalist, Division 5AA

Shannon O'Malley, 1st Team All-CIF
Kylie Needham, 2nd Team All-CIF

Regional Semi-Finalist, Division 5

2015-2016 Season (3 wins, 17 losses)

2014-2015 Season (18 wins, 10 losses)

2013-2014 Season (15 wins, 13 losses)

2012-2013 Season (12 wins, 14 losses)

2011-2012 Season (7 wins, 14 losses)

2010-2011 Season (7 wins, 16 losses)

2009-2010 Season (4 wins, 16 losses)

2008-2009 Season (14 wins, 10 losses)

2007-2008 Season

2021-2022 Season Wrap-Up

Crean Lutheran girls basketball team had a season to remember

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us. Ephesians 3:20

Crean Lutheran High School’s girls basketball team, led by co-head coaches Bianca Ziemann and Rachael Ziemann, had a memorable season. The coaches were pleased with the accomplishments of the program.

“This season marked the first time in school history to have three very successful teams and all three ended their season with winning records. The varsity team finished 22-5 overall and won the Empire League crown with a 10-0 record.” --Bianca Ziemann.

“The varsity program captured another successful season with the leadership of their senior captains Taylor Feldman and Emily Reed who led the Saints with a very talented group to an overall 22-5 record, Tri-City San Diego Tournament championship and Empire League championship,” Ziemann said.

The squad also reached the semifinal round of the CIF 2AA playoffs and advanced to the State Division II playoffs, Coach Ziemann added. “The Saints give all the Glory to God who has 100 percent provided what our team verse states in Ephesians 3:20,” Ziemann said.

2021-2022 Season Preview

Crean Lutheran girls basketball team embraces new theme for the season

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us. Ephesians 3:20

The Crean Lutheran High School girls basketball team, led by co-head coaches Bianca and Rachael Ziemann, is focused this season on a new theme: Saints > Self.

“The theme of Saints > Self was birthed this summer by Coach Rachael Ziemann,” Bianca Ziemmann said. “Upon presenting it to the team it has been fully embraced by our Saints girls program as it coincides with our program verse Ephesians 3:20.”

Crean Lutheran will take a talented team into the competitive Empire League.

“This season we return our point guard and leading scorer Taylor Feldman, our sharpshooter Emily Reed as well as five versatile forwards: Aynsley Bryan, Gianna DeForest, Emmaleena Elson, Ashley Heyer, and Lilly Hurtt, who all bring forth their own great amount of experience to our team,” Bianca Ziemann said.

“We also have been blessed with five talented freshmen who are part of the biggest freshmen class (17) in program history. Three of those freshmen are guards: Emma Goley, Jane Hewitt, and Jordyn Norwood, and two are forwards/center: Sydnee Norwood and Amara Viola.”

Bianca Ziemann said she and Rachael Ziemann are looking forward to seeing what their players can accomplish.

“Overall, we have been blessed with a very talented group of not only basketball players but young ladies,” she said. “Coach Rachael and I are very excited to coach our Saints to the very best of their abilities while proclaiming Jesus Christ and giving Him all the glory every step of the way.”

2020-2021 Season Wrap Up

Crean Lutheran girls basketball team has another victorious season

It was another successful season for the Crean Lutheran High School girls basketball team, led by co-head coaches Bianca Ziemann and Rachael Ziemann. The Saints finished with an overall record of 15-5 and were 8-2 in the competitive Empire League, winding up in second place. Crean Lutheran then captured victories in the CIF playoffs over Cantwell-Sacred Heart of Mary and a thrilling two-point road win over Santa Barbara before their season ended with a loss against Alemany.

The start of the high school season was delayed in the state due to the pandemic. But the Saints made the most of the season when it started.

"This season was a gift from God. It took everyone from within our school, basketball program, Empire League and CIF to accomplish a season with games for our players. The sacrifice, hard work, dedication, and commitment our players, coaches and staff made this year despite the many hardships and adversities is attributed to their love for each other, the game, Crean Lutheran and most importantly God,” Bianca Ziemann said.

“As a staff we believe our girls basketball program accomplished more than we ever expected as it states in our team verse,

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us. Ephesians 3:20

and with that we give all the honor and Glory to God,” continued Ziemann and she expects a bright future for the Crean Lutheran program. “Looking ahead we are excited for the return of the majority of our young players that did a phenomenal job both on the court and in the classroom,” she said. “We believe the experienced and talented court leader Taylor Feldman and shooting guard Emily Reed will lead our Saints into another successful 2022 season as they did for us this year.”

2020-2021 Season Preview

Crean Lutheran girls basketball team aiming for another memorable season

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us. Ephesians 3:20.

It was a memorable season last year for the Crean Lutheran High School girls basketball team which finished as the runner-up in the CIF 3AA division and advanced to the regional playoffs. The Saints finished with a 28-6 overall record last season.

This year, the Saints are expected to be in the running to reach the CIF championship game again. The team, led by co-head coaches Bianca Ziemann and Rachael Ziemann, has been ranked among the top 20 teams in Orange County and is expected to compete for the Empire League title once again. Bianca Ziemann indicated the Saints are excited about the season.

"The Crean Lutheran girls basketball program would like to give all the Glory to God for this season coming into fruition,” she said. “If we were to look back from where we were to where we are right now, we all can definitely see God’s hand in his abundant provision in making our season a reality. Our mission this year is to respect and represent every second and every moment with gratitude and thankfulness.

Three players are expected to lead the Saints, Bianca Ziemann said. “For the 2020-21 season we have returned three outstanding starting guards that bring both floor leadership, experience, and scoring power: Taylor Feldman, Emily Reed and our defensive specialist Maya Bland,” she said. “To add we have a very solid and talented group of freshmen, sophomores and a transfer senior, Maddie Snyder. The coaching staff and I are excited to coach a group of girls that exude teamwork, heart and grit! Go Saints!”

2019-2020 Season Wrap Up

Crean Lutheran Girls Basketball Team Celebrates a Milestone Season

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us. Ephesians 3:20

Crean Lutheran’s girls basketball team had a season to remember advancing all the way to the finals of the CIF Southern Section Division 3AA playoffs and finishing with a 28-6 record while honoring Jesus Christ through their commitments to each other.

“My assistant coach and twin sister Rachael and I couldn't have been more blessed to have coached our first season together at Crean Lutheran High School,” said Coach Bianca Ziemann.

“Our foundation is and our belief in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior is what brought us collectively together. No matter what kind of adversity struck we were all able to trust each other and accomplish many victories.”

The Saints were the champions of the Tri-City Holiday Tournament and advanced to the second round of the Division 2 state tournament. The team was also ranked in the top 10 of Orange County.

Leading the way were first team all-league players Taylor Feldman and Shannon O’Malley and Trinity Cha and Hailee Daniel, who were second team. “We truly believe we all have learned many valuable lessons this season,” Coach Ziemann said. “One of them being, that our God is the same today, tomorrow and the next day.”

All the players were on the same page, the coach said. “They all came together, all 11 of them on our varsity team, to try to obtain and achieve their common goal of winning that game or that championship was probably the biggest thing I saw. “There are so many coaches that dream of being there (in the finals). I’m super satisfied and super blessed.”

2019-2020 Season Preview

Crean Lutheran girls basketball team looks for another successful season

I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14

It’s looking to be another promising year for the Crean Lutheran girls basketball team, under first year Coach Bianca Ziemann. The Saints advanced to the semifinal round of the CIF 4A playoffs last year, losing to Santa Fe 64-48. The team had a 25-7 record and also qualified for the CIF Southern Regional tournament.

Ziemann said she is excited about leading the Saints. “I am very blessed to be able to coach a returning class (Shannon O’Malley, Taylor Feldman, Hailee Daniel, Daelyn Johnson, Emily Reed and Christina Volz) as well as our newcomers (Trinity Cha, Maya Bland, Sara Bonsangue and Ashley Heyer),” Ziemann said.

“God has given each one of these young ladies a basketball gifting. I am so excited to be able to have the opportunity to utilize and highlight their gifts to where we will be able to come together as one cohesive group or better said, ‘Saints Teamwork.’ My goal this season is to glorify Jesus Christ with appreciation and gratitude while having fun and remaining competitive.”

Ziemann brings an extensive basketball background to Crean Lutheran. She was a professional basketball player in Holland from August 2006 to June 2007 and led her team to a final four appearance and the semifinals of the Dutch Championships. She was also an assistant coach at Edison High School before assistant coaching stints at Southern Utah University, Loyola Marymount University, University of Oregon, and Santa Clara University.