Mater Dei-Santa Margarita already brewing as a heady rivalry

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Believe me, the Mater Dei and Santa Margarita girls’ basketball teams will get sick of each other quickly. The last thing the two Trinity League schools needed was to play a game against each other in a tournament, but that’s what they did on Saturday.

And man, was it worth it.

Mater Dei, ranked No. 17 in The Times’ preseason rankings, defeated No. 6 Santa Margarita, 50-43, to win the Ocean View tournament.

According to Carlos Arias’ account in the Register, Mater Dei opened an 18-2 lead behind freshman Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis, but Santa Margarita tied the score, 22-22, behind Lauren Oosdyke and Melissa Zornig. The score was 36-35 when Oosdyke fouled out with 2:52 remaining.

Both programs have excelled thus far with new coaches. Mater Dei (10-1), of course, is led by the much-heralded Kevin Kiernan, who guided Troy to three state titles. Santa Margarita (8-1) is led by Scott Bricker, who was an assistant within the Eagles’ program under Richard Schaaf.

Looks like the Trinity League won’t be lacking for a marquee matchup. The teams play again on Jan. 8 at Mater Dei.

Mater Dei plays Wednesday against Shingle Springs Ponderosa in the Diamond Division of the West Coast Jamboree in Antioch. Santa Margarita is off until Jan. 3, when it opens league play at Rosary.

-- Martin Henderson