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LAGUNA NIGUEL – And we’re down to the last two weeks of the regular season . . .

*As was the theme of last week’s SoCal Top 30 teams rating update, it’s all about what happens in Mission and Trinity League showdowns this week.

The results of those games will continue to shape the look of the CIF Southern Section’ s eight-team Open Division playoff field and help determine which of those two mega-leagues clubs will also challenge for a Division I title.

The first of those clashes is set for Monday night (7 o’clock), when No.

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SANTA ANA – Eastvale Roosevelt should hang on to the No. 2 spot in the two most significant Southern California boys’ basketball team ratings, while Mater Dei should climb this week in those entities after Saturday wins in the 30^th Nike Extravaganza.

The Brayden Burries-Roosevelt Mustangs (25-2) played a much crisper and more efficient second half in knocking off Las Vegas Bishop Gorman, 70-64.

And the host Monarchs continued their improved play of the past few weeks by using a strong third quarter to knock off Crean Lutheran, 71-60.

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RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA – The St. John Bosco High boys’ basketball team may not have played with quite the consistency of excellence Friday night that will be required to extend its season deep into March – and into Sacramento.

But, in pulling away in the final few minutes for a 77-67 Trinity League victory at Santa Margarita, the Braves called on all the elements that can carry them, ultimately, all the way to the State Open Division championship in California’s capital on March 15.

Coach Matt Dunn’s team, which came in Orange County in the No.

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SANTA ANA – The 30^th Nike Extravaganza tips off Friday afternoon in the Meruelo Center on the Mater Dei Campus.

Fourteen games are set for Friday and Saturday, one of those being the Friday night, 7:30, clash between the host Monarchs’ girls squad and its counterpart from Las Vegas Bishop Gorman.

Seven boys’ teams among the BurlisonOnBasketball SoCal Top 30 are scheduled to participate, with No. 15 Rolling Hills Prep facing Phoenix St. Mary’s (6 o’clock) and No. 18 Mater Dei 18 playing Servite (9 o’clock in what is a Trinity League game) Friday night.

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SANTA ANA –  On the surface, the game was a “mano y mano” showdown between two of the best Class of 2026 guards anywhere in high school hoops.

The Luke Barnett-led Mater Dei Monarchs edged Santa Margarita Wednesday night, 62-59.

And Barnett’s 30 points – 28 of those after intermission – were a reason why Mater Dei (No. 18 in the BurlisonOnBasketball SoCal Top 30) moved in front of No. 8 Santa Margarita and into a tie for first with St. John Bosco in the Trinity League.

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