SAN FRANCISCO - The oldest high school rivalry west of the Mississippi had a surprise addition earlier this year. St. Ignatius and Sacred Heart Cathedral added girls volleyball and girls basketball to the historic Bruce-Mahoney competition in a long overdue change.
“It means everything,” said SI head coach Maya Fok. “As a four-year varsity starter here at SI, I know that game is everything. I know how badly we always wanted to be in that game. It means so so much to the girls.”
In the first-ever edition of the Bruce-Mahoney for girls basketball, SI prevailed 60-47 Wednesday night.
The ‘Cats set the tone for the game right from the get go, jumping out to a quick 11-3 lead, forcing Irish first-year head coach Demetrius Jackson to burn two timeouts within the opening minutes. The Wildcats' bigs - led by senior Soon-Ja Elzey - used their size to out-rebound SHC by 20 on the day, including 15 offensive boards. Led by SJSU-commit Sabrina Ma’s 11 points, the Wildcats jumped out to a 21-13 first quarter lead they would never relinquish.
“We came in thinking ‘do whatever it takes to win’” said Fok. “We knew what they do, but we knew it wasn’t about them it was about us. It was about us playing together and executing what we’re capable of doing right from the start.”
After a first quarter to forget, the Irish came back with a vengeance to start the second period. SHC improved its interior defense, holding SI to just nine points in the quarter. Sophomore guard Reza Po kept the scoreboard moving for the Irish, as her 11 first-half points helped reduce the deficit to just five a minute before the break. A quick SI run undid the Irish comeback in a matter of seconds, as a Mali Ennis buzzer-beating 3 put the ‘Cats up 30-20 heading into the break.
“We came back well in the second quarter,” said Jackson. “We just had to settle down and stick to our plan on defense. We have to play Irish basketball no matter who's on the other side. It was a big positive to see the toughness of our girls.”
The third quarter saw the two sides match each other, both unable to turn turnovers into but surprisingly accurate once the opponent had made a shot. Leilani Blecha led the Irish in their best quarter, as her six points helped cut the deficit to just seven.
The fourth quarter was a completely different story. Fok took no chances, putting all five starters back on the court for the majority of the quarter. After just three points - all off free throws - in the previous two quarters, Ma would not be denied. She drove her way to the basket with ease en route to a game-high 22 points. Elzey also starred for the ‘Cats, adding 14 points in addition to eight rebounds. The Irish offense was shut down as SI put the game well beyond reach.
“We had to execute what we’re capable of doing,” said Fok. “Credit to them, they’re a great team, and played well, but I really think we’re just the better team. We just had to remember that and play like it in the fourth.”
Following a big win, the Wildcats will make the trip to Concord to face St. Mary’s-Stockton in the Carondolet tournament on Saturday. Meanwhile, the Fightin’ Irish will aim for their first WCAL win in a matchup at St. Francis. As for the Bruce-Mahoney, SI holds a 2-1 lead with a chance to clinch the 2021-22 trophy Friday night in the boys basketball game.
