SHERMAN OAKS — The Notre Dame boys basketball team is motivated by snubs.
The Knights were placed in Division 1 for the CIF Southern Section playoffs rather than the Open Division, and Mercy Miller did not receive McDonald’s All-American honors. It stung in the moment, but those two perceived snubs lit a fire under the Knights.
“I feel like our team put in the work day in and day out,” point guard Angelino Mark said. “We beat Harvard-Westlake at their house. We lost to Sierra Canyon, no excuses, but I feel like we deserved (Open Division).
“But it’s all right, we’re gonna use that as motivation. They put us in D1 and we’re going to win this.”
Notre Dame used that motivation to beat Santa Margarita 63-50 at home on Tuesday night to advance to the CIF-SS Division 1 semifinals. The Knights will host Redondo Union at home on Friday.
Miller recorded a double-double of 29 points and 11 rebounds. Zach White added 14 points and Caleb Ogbu scored nine points.
“He’s the best scoring guard in the country,” coach Matt Sargent said. “And so any time we can get him the ball with an advantage or in space, it’s gonna be a high-percentage shot.”
Notre Dame (27-3) started off the game with a 6-0 run that was stopped by a corner 3-pointer by Santa Margarita’s Brayden Kyman.
The Eagles (19-11) maintained a physical presence in the paint that made it difficult for the Knights to score but also allowed for opportunities at the free throw line. Notre Dame made six out of nine free throws en route to a 14-11 lead at the end of the opening quarter.
Jonathan Moxie threw down a two-handed dunk to end the frame, but Zachary White hit a corner three at the start of the second quarter to re-ignite Notre Dame. He put a finger to his lips in a “shhh” gesture after the three.
“Big shoutout to Zachary White and Caleb Ogbu,” Mark said. “Knocking down threes, being role-players. It was a great team win.”
The Knights used another scoring run,…
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