In a perennial California high school girls basketball showdown, Etiwanda and Mater Dei are set to clash once again in the CIF-SS Open Division Semifinals. This fierce rivalry has become a staple of the playoffs, with this year marking the eighth consecutive meeting between the two powerhouse teams. The stakes are high, as a spot in the CIF-SS Open Division finals hangs in the balance.
Etiwanda (24-4) enters the matchup riding a wave of success, having secured three consecutive double-digit victories over Mater Dei since their last defeat in pool play back in 2020-21. The Eagles are widely considered favorites to make their fourth straight Southern Section championship appearance, aiming for their third CIF-SS crown in recent years.
On the other side, Mater Dei (28-2) boasts an impressive second-place national ranking, with Etiwanda close behind at No. 6. Despite missing star forward Kaeli Wynn since January, the Monarchs have continued their winning ways, albeit with slightly narrower margins. The absence of Wynn has not dulled Mater Dei’s competitive edge, as they look to upset the favored Eagles.
The game promises a showdown between two McDonald’s All-Americans and 5-star lead guards—Etiwanda’s Aliyahna “Puff” Morris (Cal) and Mater Dei’s Addie Deal (Iowa). Both teams feature a strong lineup of perimeter defenders, suggesting a strategic battle on the court. The matchup between Morris and Deal, two of the top guards in high school basketball, is sure to captivate fans with its intensity and skill.
Adding to Etiwanda’s firepower is McDonald’s All-American forward Grace Knox, a 5-star talent committed to LSU. The Eagles also boast former Monarchs Chasity Rice and Shaena Brew, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the rivalry. Keep an eye on key players like Arynn Finley and Aliyah Phillips, who are poised to make an impact for Etiwanda.
Despite the challenges posed by Wynn’s absence, Mater Dei remains a formidable opponent, bolstered by a deep and experienced supporting cast. Seniors Nohe’alani Stores (UC Irvine), Amaya Williams (Grand Canyon), and Devyn Kiernan (Southern Utah) provide valuable leadership and skill to complement Deal’s standout performance on the court.
For fans eager to catch all the action live, the game will be available for streaming on the NFHS Network. Subscribers can tune in for the highly anticipated matchup between Etiwanda and Mater Dei, scheduled for Saturday, February 22 at 7:00 p.m. PT. The game will take place at Etiwanda High School in Rancho Cucamonga, promising an evening of thrilling basketball action.
As the stage is set for this long-standing rivalry to unfold once again, basketball enthusiasts can look forward to a clash of titans between Etiwanda and Mater Dei. With a history of intense competition and high stakes, this matchup is sure to keep fans on the edge of their seats until the final buzzer sounds. Don’t miss the chance to witness these two powerhouse teams battle it out for a shot at glory in the CIF-SS Open Division Semifinals.
