The San Diego Invitational tips off Tuesday at Pechanga Arena showcasing some of the best women’s basketball teams in the country.
It’s also a homecoming for La Jolla Country Day Alum & Oregon Guard Tehina Paopao. “It’s good to be home,” the junior guard said.
The former McDonald’s All-American and La Jolla Country Day alum led her Alma mater to a number one national ranking as a senior, earning multiple city and statewide player of the year accolades.
Paopao had endured not one but two knee injuries during her high school career with La Jolla Country Day, but she finally played a full season. Not only did she rise up the individual rankings, but so did her team. She helped the Torreys win the Nike Tournament of Champions in December and finish the year as the No. 2 team in the espnW 25 Power Rankings.
The future Oregon Duck averaged 22.7 points and 4.3 assists per game this season, earning both Jordan Brand and McDonald’s All American selections. She is not the only top-25 prospect heading to Eugene next season, either. Joining her are No. 8 Sydney Parrish, No. 17 Kylee Watson, No. 19 Maddie Scherr and No. 22 Angela Dugalic.
Oregon Ducks (9-1)
Previous ranking: 16
This week: vs. Arkansas (Tuesday), vs. Ohio State/South Florida (Wednesday); both games at San Diego Invitational
The Ducks dominated Eastern Washington and Charleston last week but should be challenged in San Diego this week. Phillipina Kyei, a 6-8 sophomore, is leading Oregon in rebounding at 11.2 RPG and could play a key role.
