Leaonna Odom (left) and Valerie Higgins show off their patches after Chaminade won CIF Southern Section Open Division title. Photo: Harold Abend.
As more proof that the Cal-Hi Sports state rankings are the most researched and analyzed on a weekly basis than any others perhaps in the nation, we give you the Oaks Christian and Mission Hills girls. The Lions are now up to No. 17 in the state while Mission Hills is now in the top five. We also welcome new No. 20 St. Francis of Sacramento.
Note: There are not going to be separate free and premium posts for new rankings this season in any sport. All new and final rankings will be for Gold Club members only. This also is a great time to sign up for our Gold Club to see all of our great content, including just published 20,000 word feature on the 50 greatest football teams in state history (basketball coming soon). Our yearly rate has gone up, but you can now get it for just $9.99 to check it out for three months. For details, CLICK HERE
CAL-HI SPORTS UPDATED TOP 20
GIRLS BASKETBALL STATE RANKINGS
(Previous ranking in parentheses; through games of Saturday, March 12; additional writeups by Mark Tennis & Paul Muyskens)
1. (1) ST. MARY’S (STOCKTON) 28-0
The Rams’ trio of Ms. Basketball finalists — Mi’Cole Cayton, Aquira DeCosta and Kat Tudor — got some help in the top seed’s 89-65 Northern Regional Open quarterfinal win over Carondelet of Concord from a girl that is ready to explode on the scene next season, current junior Naje Murray. She led the way with 21 points (three assists, three steals) and was 5-of-8 from outside the arc. The three top girls all hit double figure scoring as Tudor went for 18 and hit her career No. 364 three-pointer in the effort, Cayton had 14 points and DeCosta added 10 points and nine rebounds. The game was close at the half with the Rams only holding a 49-41 lead but the depth and firepower eventually overwhelmed the NCS D2 champions as St. Mary’s pulled away for its 57th consecutive victory. Next is Pinewood at Delta College on Tuesday and the Rams will be a prohibitive favorite. One more win and the game of the year vs. Miramonte could be all set for Saturday at Sleep Train Arena.
