Mariya Moore, Salesian Basketball

For Mariya Moore and the Salesian girls basketball team, the third time was the charm. They ousted St. Mary’s-Berkeley 49-42 in the NCS Div. IV championship on March 3 after losing to them twice during the regular season. The sophomore wing posted 15 points, 12 rebounds, five steals and four assists giving Salesian girls program its first NCS crown.

For Mariya Moore and the Salesian girls basketball team, the third time was the charm. They ousted St. Mary’s-Berkeley 49-42 in the NCS Div. IV championship on March 3 after losing to them twice during the regular season. The sophomore wing posted 15 points, 12 rebounds, five steals and four assists giving Salesian girls program its first NCS crown.

SportStars Magazine: Your team was down 16-3 against St. Mary’s. What sparked the turnaround? 

Mariya Moore: We really had nothing to lose. We just left it all on the court. … Everyone picked it up. Even people who don’t normally play a lot made plays.

SSM: This is the first NCS title for Salesian girls basketball. What does that mean to you? 

MM: That means so much to me. When I play basketball, usually I want to make a difference. … I guess this is the best thing that’s ever happened. 

SSM: You’re the No. 1 seed in NorCals and St. Mary’s is seeded second. Would you want to play them again? 

MM: Yeah, we like playing St. Mary’s because we like to challenge ourselves. And the more we play them, the more we challenge ourselves. I’ve been playing Gabby (Green) and Mikayla (Cowling) since the fifth grade. We’ve had a friendly rivalry ever since. 

MARIYA’S QUICK HITS

Favorite athlete: Maya Moore

Favorite team: Miami Heat

Favorite subject: Science

Favorite Starbucks: Strawberries & Cream Frappucino

Honorable Mention

Anastasia Lobsinger — The Alhambra sophomore wrestler won NCS then placed third in the 154-pound division in the CIF State Championship on Feb. 25. 

Devin Mahoney — The St. Mary’s-Berkeley junior tossed a perfect game on Feb. 27. He struck out 11 Skyline batters as St. Mary’s won 9-0.

Brian Sergi — The last wrestling match of his high school career was a winning one, as the College Park senior won the CIF State title in the 138-pound division on Mar. 3.