Last week we talked about the Granada boys’ basketball team being one step away from playing for the CIF State D-I basketball title.
That goal became a reality on March 7 when the Mats beat Salesian 60-47 to win the Northern California title and spot in the D-I title game opposite the loaded Notre Dame of Sheman Oaks team.
The dream run came to an end on March 10 when the Matadors turned in a valiant effort before falling 67-58 in the title game.
The game started tight with the Mats trailing only 18-14 at the end of the first quarter. Notre Dame gradually built a lead in the second quarter and took a 39-27 lead into the half.
At one point in the third quarter Granada trailed 42-27 but cut it to 48-40 at the end of three. Notre Dame opened the final quarter strong and ran the lead out to 57-40, but the Mats came back to close to eight at one point.
Notre Dame, playing with at least two future Division One college players, were able to keep the Mats from getting closer.
Caleb Foster, bound for Duke, finished with a state record 33 points for ND. Mercy Miller, a junior who has committed to Houston, added 17 points for Notre Dame.
Tyler Harris had 17 points and 10 rebounds for Granada, while St. Mary’s bound Andrew McKeever turned in a strong effort before fouling out in the fourth quarter.
