Notre Dame and North Salinas, the top two girl's basketball teams in the area, meet Tuesday at North Salinas High in a showdown for first place in the Monterey Bay League. Both teams have impressive records - Notre Dame comes into the game at 14-2 (3-0 in league), and North Salinas comes in at 14-1 (3-0 in league as well). North Salinas is currently ranked #6 in the CCS by the San Jose Mercury, and Notre Dame is ranked #11. The Vikings have won 10 games in a row; the Spirits have won 4 games in a row. Both teams share a loss to a common opponent - Aptos High. The Vikings lost to the Mariners 48-38 back on December 5th, and the Spirits fell to the Mariners 54-38 back on December 12th. Notre Dame and North Salinas split their two league games last season, with each team winning on their respective home court.

Tempo will likely determine the outcome of this highly-anticipated game. Notre Dame has the best guard tandem in the league with Serena Benavente and Jessica Ross. The two guards lead a swarming Spirit  pressure defense that thrives on forcing turnovers and creating up-tempo transitional scoring opportunities with the fast break. A half court game clearly favors North Salinas, where 6-2 Monica Abbott (190 rebounds, 12 ppg) and 5-11 Jennifer Patterson (135 rebounds, 7.5 ppg) provide an intimidating Viking force under the basket. If Ashley Pemberton, Nicole White, and Brittini McCready can get through the Spirit press to set up the offense, the Vikings have to like their chances. Charged with the task of controlling Abbott and Patterson in the paint will be 5-10 Julie Martin and volleyball standout Mallory Hook, who are both capable of overcoming any height disadvantage with their athleticism and physicality. Benavente and Ross are both deadly from beyond the three point arc, which, to Notre Dame's advantage, could  force North Salinas out of its zone defense. The X-factor in the game may be Notre Dame sophomore forward Kirstyn Martin, who is quietly putting together an outstanding season, averaging 10 points per game and punishing teams that focus too much on shutting down Benavente and Ross. No matter what the outcome, circle February 12th on your calendar - round two of this Notre Dame-North Salinas title bout.