First it was McKenna Woliczko from Mitty, and now it’s Kaeli Wynn from Mater Dei. Two highly-ranked junior wings have suffered season-ending knee injuries, shifting the landscape of the California High School postseason, which is now just weeks away.
Despite securing three wins, No. 2 Mater Dei appears to have become more susceptible due to the absence of its four-star star player. This opens up potential opportunities for Southern California’s elite teams: Ontario Christian, Etiwanda, Sierra Canyon, and the Monarchs, who have other capable players — particularly 5-9 senior Amaya Williams, known for her ability to deliver in crunch moments similar to Wynn.
However, this loss puts a strain on Mater Dei’s depth, rebounding, and shooting performance.
Addie Deal, a McDonald’s All-American committed to Iowa, is likely to shoulder an even heavier load, which is already demanding given her influences on the court.
California High School Girls Basketball Top 25 Rankings: Feb. 4
1. Ontario Christian (25-1)
The team concluded their regular season with a definitive 77-50 victory over Lynwood, with Keleena Smith scoring 26 points, while Dani Robinson and Sydney Douglas each added 12, alongside Tati Griffin contributing 10. Their impressive performance concluded an 11-game winning streak.
In a distressing turn, top junior Kaeli Wynn is now sidelined with a dislocated knee, as first reported by the Orange County Register. She was the team’s second-leading scorer (17.7 points per game), leading rebounder (7.1), and a prominent three-point shooter (75 of 172, 43%). The squad has now secured 15 consecutive wins, including two last week against Santa Margarita (56-36) and JSerra Catholic (65-44), plus a 66-40 triumph over Orange Lutheran this Monday, where Deal delivered an impressive stat line of 19 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, and six steals. Devynn Kiernan also stepped up with 12 points, including three three-pointers. Given the incredibly tight margins among the top four Southern Section teams, the absence of such a key player presents a significant obstacle for the Monarchs moving forward.
3. Etiwanda (21-4)
The Eagles are currently on a hot streak with 17 straight wins, including a dominating 80-27 win over Chino Hills and a high-scoring 109-77 victory over Rancho Christian on Saturday. They are looking to wrap up their regular season at home against Los Osos this Wednesday. The outstanding duo of Aliyahna “Puff” Morris (29 points) and Grace Knox (28 points, 11 rebounds, three blocks) led the charge in their latest games.
The Trailblazers continue their impressive run with 19 consecutive victories, recently celebrating wins against Harvard-Westlake (72-38), Chaminade (68-38), and Louisville (89-45). Their regular season finale is set against Notre Dame Sherman Oaks at home this Wednesday.
The Monarchs are adapting in the wake of losing two-time national Player of the Year McKenna Woliczko (torn ACL), as evidenced by their lopsided wins over Saint Francis (78-52) and Valley Christian (78-32), both of which were Top 15 teams in the Bay Area. Sophomore Ze’Ni Patterson led the scoring with 15 points, while Devin Cosgriff, Maliya Hunter, and Tiera McCarthy contributed 14, 11, and 10 points, respectively.
The Golden Eagles are on the verge of completing one of the most remarkable regular seasons in Central Section history after securing two additional high-margin wins against Central (78-53) and Clovis East (91-30). They are gearing up for a crucial matchup against Clovis this Friday.
The Bulldogs had a commanding week with blowout victories against Rocklin (97-35), Davis (77-27), and Granite Bay (91-23), accumulating a staggering total margin of victory of 180 points, averaging an incredible 60 points per game. This week will present more challenging games against Del Oro (16-8) and Whitney (13-11).
The Knights notched their ninth and tenth consecutive victories against St. Anthony (79-53) and La Salle (58-41), closing their regular season against St. Mary’s Academy.
The team secured solid wins last week against Crossroads (90-65) and Campbell Hall (76-40), but stumbled in a home game against Windward (75-62) where they faced a tough 24-15 deficit at the start.
They concluded the regular season with impressive wins over Pacifica Christian (71-29), Avalon (92-12), and Westlake (55-39). Adyra Rajan (23.3 points), Sarah Aldeguer (14.7), and Maria Mejia (12.3) have emerged as key scoring contributors.
The team finished league play undefeated at 10-0, defeating Rancho Christian (80-76) after previous victories over Heritage (74-35), Paloma Valley (86-20), and Beaumont (92-22). The Vikings navigated a challenging start, overcoming a 32-19 deficit after the first quarter with an impressive 19-8 run in the second quarter. The Press-Enterprise reported that McKenzie Gillman and Leiayjah Mills combined for 42 points, while Alysha Mills and Tamia Hardwick each grabbed an incredible 16 rebounds.
The Dons continue to stack victories, boasting a current 10-game winning streak following comprehensive league wins over Mt. Diablo (55-39) and Clayton Valley Charter (72-25), capped off by a thrilling 74-67 triumph against McClatchy, a strong adversary from the Sac-Joaquin Section, thanks to a standout performance from senior guard Karyss Lacanlale, who scored 34 points.
Two dominant victories against Notre Dame-Belmont (93-33) and Alameda (79-39) were flanked by a commendable 57-50 home win over Priory, where Vallory Kuelker had an outstanding game, scoring 25 points including six three-pointers.
Concluding with impressive EBAL wins over Granada (75-37) and Foothill (73-25), the Wolves are entering the final stretch of the regular season, with three more games lined up, including a significant home game against long-standing SJS powerhouse St. Mary’s on Thursday.
The Lightning secured their eighth and ninth victories in a row over San Jacinto (78-45) and Rosary Academy achieved a solid 63-37 victory over their opponents but faced a setback with a 65-55 loss to Rialto. On Tuesday, Sage Hill is set to host St. Margaret’s.
16. Carondelet (19-4)
The Cougars showcased their strength with a commanding 78-50 win at home against St. Mary’s, followed by impressive victories over Foothill (77-18) and Marin Catholic (76-40). The Cougars’ balanced offensive effort was spearheaded by Sophia Ross and Layla Dixon, who each contributed 12 points against Marin Catholic, as noted by West Coast Preps.
Continuing their remarkable season, the Cougars secured three more wins against San Marcos (70-31), Rio Mesa (76-20), and Santa Barbara (75-32). They will face cross-town Channel League rival Buena at home on Tuesday, a team that previously challenged them to a narrow 52-44 defeat.
It was a significant week for the Wildcats, who celebrated four victories against Viewpoint (72-33), Crossroads (69-43), Palisades (71-41), and Brentwood (75-62). Windward is set for home matchups against Archer and Campbell Hall on Tuesday and Wednesday, bringing their regular season to a close.
The Crusaders rebounded from a challenging loss to the always formidable St. Ignatius (55-49) with strong performances against Sacred Heart Cathedral (61-44) and Presentation (69-22).
20. Harvard-Westlake (20-5)
Despite a tough 76-38 setback against Sierra Canyon, the Wolverines bounced back with wins over Louisville (59-48) and Notre Dame Sherman Oaks (64-25). Harvard-Westlake will welcome Marlborough for a home game on Tuesday.
Though the Eagles suffered defeats against Etiwanda (109-77) and Moreno Valley (80-76), they also had solid victories over Valley View (87-53) and Heritage (74-40). The team, bolstered by Julia Wilson (19.9 ppg) and Ebony Taylor-Smith (16.0), is well-prepared for the upcoming playoffs.
The Lions faced a challenging loss to Acalanes, but they found success with a hard-fought 64-57 win over Antelope and a commanding 75-10 victory against Cordova. They will finish the regular season with a home game against West Park and a league match at Grant.
The Cardinals are on a hot streak, having won 13 consecutive games, including their last two against Rancho Cotate (86-17) and Maria Carrillo (74-33). They will conclude the regular season at home against Montgomery (Wednesday) and at Analy (Friday).
A commendable loss of 57-50 to Pinewood could boost the Panthers’ chances at securing a Central Coast Section Open spot. They also enjoyed a convincing 69-36 victory over Sacred Heart Prep, with Natalie Neuman and Ugreat Daniels each scoring 13 points.
The Yankees’ only setbacks this season have been a forfeit loss to Ventura and a 68-52 defeat to Westlake. With Jade Fort (23.5 ppg) and Kinidi Curl (18.8) leading the team, they are poised for success.
