Top-seeded La Mirada falls to Mater Dei in CIF State Division I upset

Matadores see big second quarter lead slip away in 88-79 loss to Monarchs

Mar. 5, 2026 at 3:09pm

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The top-seeded La Mirada High boys basketball team built a pair of 17-point leads in the second quarter against Mater Dei High, but the Monarchs dominated the final 21 minutes of the game to pull off an 88-79 upset in the first round of the CIF State Division I playoffs.

Why it matters

La Mirada was the No. 1 seed in Division I and had hoped to host a playoff game for the first time since 2024 after being on the road for eight straight Open Division playoff games the past two seasons. The upset loss ends their season at 24-9.

The details

La Mirada led by as many as 17 points in the second quarter, but Mater Dei went on a 14-6 run to end the half and carried that momentum into the second half. The lead changed hands eight times in the fourth quarter before Mater Dei went on a 12-0 run to take control. The Monarchs were led by the trio of Luke Barnett, Zain Majeed and Richie Ramirez, who combined for 81 of their 88 points.

  • La Mirada led by 17 points with 5:01 left in the second quarter.
  • Mater Dei went on a 14-6 run to end the first half.
  • The lead changed hands eight times in the fourth quarter.
  • Mater Dei went on a 12-0 run late in the fourth quarter to take control.

The players

Randy Oronoz

Head coach of the La Mirada High boys basketball team.

Luke Barnett

One of the three Mater Dei players who combined for 81 of the team's 88 points.

Zain Majeed

One of the three Mater Dei players who combined for 81 of the team's 88 points.

Richie Ramirez

One of the three Mater Dei players who combined for 81 of the team's 88 points.

Gene Roebuck

A junior who led La Mirada with 19 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists.

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What they’re saying

“We weren't tough enough; we missed a lot of blown assignments. They didn't do anything that we didn't know was going to happen. We were quiet; we didn't communicate enough. Unfortunately, they were hot, and we didn't respond with the toughness that we've had all year. It's an unfortunate way to lose because up 17 in the first half, even up by nine [at the half], we've done a good job of winning those games.”

— Randy Oronoz, Head coach, La Mirada High

“Unfortunately, like I said, when those shots are falling it wasn't an issue. But when we're missing shots, we needed extra opportunities, and we just didn't come out with them.”

— Randy Oronoz, Head coach, La Mirada High

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This game highlights the challenges of maintaining a lead against a talented and experienced opponent like Mater Dei, even when playing at home. La Mirada's inability to respond with toughness and communication when the Monarchs made their run ultimately proved to be their downfall.