The second coming of Mater Dei vs. Etiwanda was the most highly anticipated matchup of the year for more reasons than one. Mater Dei was looking for their third consecutive CIF State Championship appearance and only the Eagles stood in their way.

Etiwanda knocked off the Monarchs to claim the CIFSS Championship, and a rivalry was born. Tonight, Mater Dei was victorious in dominating fashion and advanced with a 60-37 win.

Mater Dei Wins vs Etiwanda: Game Highlights

The Etiwanda Eagles staved off a furious rally from the Mater Dei Monarchs to capture the CIFSS 1AA Championship in a thrilling 54-51 classic.

Etiwanda jumped out to an early lead with lights out shooting from behind the arc. Standout junior Jordan McLaughlin, senior Darryl Adigwu and sophomore Delewis Johnson knocked down two three-pointers apiece.

The long range barrage helped the Eagles build a 29-13 advantage late in the second quarter.

Etiwanda Wins 54-51: Game Highlights

The combination of Xavier Johnson and Stanley Johnson has allowed Mater Dei to eat up the glass thus far in the 2012 CIF State Playoffs. The Monarchs go into Saturday's matchup vs. Mission Viejo (3/10/12) with an extreme height advantage. Mater Dei suits up 8 guys that stand 6'5" and above, while the Diablos' tallest player checks in at 6 feet 7 inches.

Talk about a nail-biter at the Anaheim Convention Center. The Mater Dei Monarchs were in full control over Long Beach Poly for most of the game, until a late run by the Jackrabbits made things very interesting.

Prior to Saturday night's Mater Dei vs. Long Beach Poly matchup, everyone was fully aware of what the Gary McKnight coached Monarchs squad had in its arsenal. UNLV commit Katin Reinhardt, Colorado Buffaloes commit Xavier Johnson, junior Elijah Brown and stellar sophomore Stanley Johnson filled out the star-studded Mater Dei lineup.

"They battle, they get after it. Their guards are very good," said Head Coach Gary McKnight of Loyola's Parker Jackson-Cartwright and Jacob Hazzard. Jackson-Cartwright nearly sealed the deal for the Cubs, however, Mater Dei's combo of senior center Xavier Johnson and sophomore forward Stanley Johnson put the clamps on Loyola's efforts.