Mariya Moore-Salesian-Basketball

The star junior posted a whopping stat line of 35 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and four steals. But she’d trade it in for a state championship in a heartbeat. The Pride’s bid for a title came up just short as they fell 62-60 to Serra-Gardena in the CIF Div. IV state championship on March 23. Still, Moore left little doubt who the best player on the court was.

The star junior posted a whopping stat line of 35 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and four steals. But she’d trade it in for a state championship in a heartbeat. The Pride’s bid for a title came up just short as they fell 62-60 to Serra-Gardena in the CIF Div. IV state championship on March 23. Still, Moore left little doubt who the best player on the court was.

SportStars Magazine: What does this performance mean to you despite the loss?

Mariya Moore: It means a lot. Obviously I’d rather win. It means a lot that I was able to score that much. … I think it ultimately came down to rebounds and finishing. If we would’ve just converted two more layups we missed. Or grabbed two more rebounds, we probably would’ve won.

SSM: Where would you rank this game amongst your best? 

MM: I scored 37 against St. Mary’s (of Berkeley on Jan. 18). … I feel like the St. Mary’s game was better.

SSM: Where can we find you playing this summer? 

MM: I’m playing for the Cal Stars this summer. We’re gonna be in most of the big Nike tournaments.

SSM: Have you decided on a college yet? Not yet. Probably this summer during these tournaments I’ll visit some schools. 

MARIYA’S QUICK HITS:

Favorite athlete: Candace Parker

Favorite basketball team: Miami Heat

Favorite class: Drama

Honorable Mention

Breanna Brown — The Bishop O’Dowd senior posted 10 points, 14 rebounds and two blocks against Windward-L.A. in the CIF Open Div. state final on March 23. O’Dowd won 60-45.

Temidayo Yussuf – The St. Joseph big man scored 20 points and grabbed a Div. V-record 19 rebounds in a heartbreaking 47-46 loss to Horizon Christian in the state final on March 22.

Joe DeMers — The College Park sophomore forward put up 13 points and 14 rebounds as the Falcons lost to Redondo Union 54-47 in the Div. II state final on March 23.