CIF-SS GIRLS BASKETBALL FINALS
OPEN DIVISION
Mater Dei (28-1) vs. Chaminade of West Hills (24-3)
Where, when: Azusa Pacific University, Saturday, 7:30 p.m.
Fan info: Tickets are $13 general admission, $7 students with valid ID and children (3-13). Parking is free.
Live coverage: FoxSports.com Prep Zone
Outlook: This could turn out to be the best CIF-SS championship game in boys and girls basketball this weekend. Top-seeded Mater Dei and third-seeded Chaminade met on Nov. 29, with the Eagles prevailing, 60-59. The Monarchs have reeled off 25 straight wins since that night, and now they have an opportunity to avenge that setback and capture a CIF crown, which would be its first since 2012. Katie Lou Samuelson has been averaging 30 points an outing even with defenses keying on her. Senior point guard Andee Velasco and junior forward Ally Rosenblum have also been tremendous in their roles. Chaminade features two of the best juniors in the country in guard Valerie Higgins and former Monarch Leonna Odom. Mater Dei coach Kevin Kiernan said this week that both players are capable of taking over a game. So too can Samuelson, who is on a mission to grab her first CIF-SS title. With star power and interesting matchups all over the court, this game should be a battle to the end.
KENNY CONNOLLY
Contact the writer: kconnolly@ocregister.com
