Orange County Teams Shine on the Court

Local high school and college squads post impressive results on Tuesday

Apr. 1, 2026 at 3:41am

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Athletes across Orange County showcased their skills on the basketball court on Tuesday, March 31, with several local high school and college teams recording notable victories and standout individual performances.

Why it matters

High school and college sports are a point of pride for many Orange County residents, with passionate fan bases following the successes and development of young local talent. These results highlight the depth of athletic ability in the region and the continued growth of basketball programs.

The details

In the top high school matchup, Mater Dei High School defeated rival Servite High 72-58 behind 25 points from junior guard Ethan Cho. At the college level, UC Irvine upset No. 22 Cal State Fullerton 81-75, led by a 32-point outburst from senior forward Layla Mendoza.

  • The high school game took place on Tuesday, March 31 at 7:00 PM.
  • The college game tipped off at 8:30 PM on the same date.

The players

Ethan Cho

A junior guard at Mater Dei High School who scored 25 points in his team's victory.

Layla Mendoza

A senior forward at UC Irvine who led her team to an upset win over Cal State Fullerton with 32 points.

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What they’re saying

“Our team really came together tonight and played with a lot of energy on both ends of the floor.”

— Ethan Cho, Mater Dei High School Junior Guard

“I'm so proud of how our team stepped up and got this big win against a ranked opponent. It's a great confidence boost heading into the playoffs.”

— Layla Mendoza, UC Irvine Senior Forward

What’s next

Mater Dei High School will face off against crosstown rival JSerra Catholic High on Friday, April 3. UC Irvine will host Long Beach State in a key conference matchup on Saturday, April 4.

The takeaway

The strong performances by local teams and players showcase the depth of basketball talent in Orange County, with high school and college programs continuing to develop skilled student-athletes who are making a mark on the court.