The Granada boys' basketball team took on a loaded Notre Dame (Sherman Oaks) team in the CIF State Division I title game last Friday, with the Matadors putting in a valiant effort before falling 67-58 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento.

The game started tight with the squad from Livermore trailing only 18-14 at the end of the first quarter. Notre Dame gradually built a larger lead in the second quarter and took a 39-27 advantage into the half.

At one point in the third quarter, Granada trailed 42-27 but cut it to 48-40 at the end of three. Notre Dame opened the final quarter strong and ran the lead out to 57-40, but the Mats came back to as close as eight points.

Notre Dame, playing with at least two future Division I college players, were able to keep the Mats from getting any closer.

Caleb Foster, bound for Duke, finished with a state record 33 points for Notre Dame. Mercy Miller, a junior who has committed to Houston, added 17 points for ND.

Tyler Harris had 17 points and 10 rebounds for Granada, while St. Mary's-bound Andrew McKeever turned in a strong effort before fouling out in the fourth quarter.

The Mats' dream run this season included earning the Northern California championship by defeating Salesian 60-47 on March 7.