LAMORINDA WEEKLY | Miramonte Wins DFALMats, Cougars prepare for NCS Tourney


Sophomore Sabrina Ionescu started the scoring for Miramonte in the win over Campolindo. Photos Gint Federas

The Diablo Foothill Athletic League girls' basketball season finished last week with Miramonte going undefeated in all 12 games on their way to a 25-1 regular season record. Campolindo finished in third place for an 8-4 DFAL record and 16-10 overall.

The North Coast Section seeding meeting was held on Feb. 23 and both Miramonte and Campolindo qualified as high seeds, No. 1 and No. 3, respectively. Both teams earned first round byes and will play at home on Friday, Feb. 28.

In their last week of DFAL play, the Mats spoiled Senior Night at Campolindo on Feb. 18 by beating the Cougars 80 to 45.

Campo junior Ashley Dubrasich started the scoring for the Cougars with a lay-up but Miramonte came right back behind sophomore Sabrina Ionescu's runner and two 3-pointers in the period. The Mats never looked back, pushing the lead to 37-16 by halftime. Ionescu finished with 23 points and led all scorers.

The Mats completed their perfect DFAL season on their own Senior Night, Feb. 21, beating Acalanes at home 72-21. Senior Breanna Alford had 23 points and 14 rebounds to lead the team. Senior Megan Reid had eight steals to go with her 11 points and senior Mariah Seals added 17 points and eight assists.

The Dons finished at 4-8 in the DFAL and 11-15 overall.

After sweeping DFAL play, Miramonte is poised to win the NCS tournament. Miramonte head coach Kelly Sopak says his team is ready for the tournament. "This is the best time of the year for the players, coaches and parents," he noted. "All the hard work gets revealed in the next 4-6 weeks."

Although Miramonte will host the winner of the Hercules/Pinole Valley game, their biggest rival, Bishop O'Dowd was disqualified from the NCS tournament because they played one more game than allowed under the rules.

"I am stunned about Bishop O'Dowd," Sopak said. "We wanted to earn the right to face them again."

Without O'Dowd, there is a chance for an All-Lamorinda NCS final. Campolindo begins the tournament run against the winner of the Petaluma/Sonoma Valley game.

"Our team is excited to be in the playoffs. That was our goal from the beginning of the season," said Campolindo's head coach Art Thoms. "The girls have big dreams."