Girls’ basketball: Mater Dei could be No. 1 team in the nation

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Santa Ana Mater Dei has gained bragging rights that it might be the No. 1 girls’ basketball team in the nation after winning the Nike Tournament of Champions Division E in Arizona.

The Monarchs are 12-0 and knocked Phoenix St. Mary’s, 57-54, earlier in the week. St. Mary’s had a 49-game winning streak and was considered the No. 1 team in the nation by some experts.

Fueling the team’s rise has been the Samuelson sisters, senior Karlie and sophomore Katie Lou, who transferred from Huntington Beach Edison.

Karlie had 38 points and Katie Lou 30 in a 96-74 win over Maryland Riverdale Baptist in the final. They were named co-tournament MVPs.

-- Eric Sondheimer