This was the first year that girls’ teams could earn invitations to the post-season Tournament of Champions in Oakland, and the Panthers made getting there a team goal.

They did not disappoint as stars Jackie White and Sue Mahackian led Memorial to a 27-2 overall record. Highlights of the season included winning the Holiday Invitational Tournament title, the Central Sequoia League championship and the CIF “Valley” crown.

In the TOC, the Panthers buzzed through the competition before losing by a single point in the title game.

With their all-out, pressing defense, Coach Mary Brown’s meticulous game plans and Mahackian feeding White for easy baskets, the Panthers routinely beat Valley opponents by margins of 50 points or more.

“(Coach Brown) never went into a game saying, ‘Let’s beat them by 100, let’s humiliate them,’ ” Mahackian said. “Her style was to run and gun, press and fastbreak, and we went 100% all of the time because her philosophy was to train for state (playoffs). She didn’t mean to hurt anybody.”

Players: Stephanie Moreno, Peggy Neumeier, Lori Cassano, Carol Dela Torre, Joy Moreno, Joanne Torres, Maureen Gill, Jackie White, Gina Manolio, Katie Danks, Sue Mahackian, Teri Schattinger.

Team Manager: Sharon Cappelluti

Coach: Mary Brown