Girls’ basketball: Big night at Mater Dei for ranked teams

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A little later tonight I’m heading over to Mater Dei’s gym/arena to catch the last couple of girls’ games of today’s Nike Extravaganza. They should be good. I’m especially looking forward to seeing No. 6 Brea Olinda against No. 19 Foothill.

I saw a little bit of Foothill the other night against Trabuco Hills -- I was really impressed with the often-overlooked point guard, Blair Shinoda -- but the Knights’ performance left something to be desired.

I wondered if maybe the awkwardness of Trabuco might have put Foothill off its game, kind of like the junk ball pitcher who is so slow that hitters are off balance. I’m guessing Foothill will be a little more focused, and the game a little more intense tonight.

Also eager to see the No. 17 Mater Dei against No. 7 Mira Costa. Mater Dei had a big win Thursday against Orange Lutheran that propelled the Monarchs into a first-place tie with No. 18 Santa Margarita in the Trinity League, and Mira Costa had a loss to arch-rival Redondo that dropped the Mustangs into a first-place tie with Redondo in the Bay League.

Here’s the schedule for today/Friday:
Ocean View vs. Westminster La Quinta, 4:30 p.m.
Santa Margarita vs. Las Vegas Durango, 6 p.m.
Foothill vs. Brea Olinda, 7:30 p.m.
Mater Dei vs. Mira Costa, 9 p.m.

-- Martin Henderson