Basketball (Girls) | 11/10/2025 12:54:00 PM

The following is an excerpt from The Coast News Group article, "Girls prep basketball returns to North County."

REGION — Prep basketball is back this month. While the turkey brines for Thanksgiving, The Coast News hit North County to see whose sneakers are laced and whose three-pointer still needs work ahead of the 2025-26 season.

Cathedral Catholic Dons (Western League)
Last season: 20-10 overall, 6-2
Head coach: Jackie Turpin

In 2024-25, a midseason injury to star senior Maddie Moeller forced then-sophomore McKinley Hanlon, a 6-foot power forward, to take over the offensive load. She responded by averaging nearly 20 points per game, establishing herself as a cornerstone for the Dons moving forward.

"It starts with maturity and leadership," Turpin said. "Her intentionality — taking care of her body, working in the weight room, preparing off the court — has set a tone of respect with her teammates. That maturity is translating on the court, knowing when to attack, when to create for others, and when to take her shot. Stepping up after Maddie's injury was a big transition, but she's handled it beautifully."

This season, Hanlon will receive support from a deep and developing roster. Senior transfer Bianca Sloan, a 6-foot-2 center, adds size, while freshman guard Addison Yang is expected to make an immediate impact.

"With the addition of Bianca, we can play more man-to-man," Turpin said. "The past couple of years, we were almost entirely in zone because of our size. Now, with some high-IQ players, we can switch it up. It also spreads the scoring burden — I'll have five kids on the floor who have the green light."