By Eric Terrazas, SGVN
twitter.com/WhittierPreps

The St. Paul High School girls basketball team is off to a strong start in the Camino Real League.

The Swordsmen (12-11 overall, 4-1 league), who are ranked No. 1 in the latest CIF-Southern Section Division 4A poll, are coming off a 39-24 victory Thursday over Cantwell Sacred Heart.

St. Paul, however, will face a major test today when it visits St. Monica (18-5, 4-1) at 7 p.m. The winner takes over sole possession of first place in the league standings.

It’s the season’s second meeting between the schools. The Swordsmen won the first one against the Mariners, 53-43, on Jan. 10. St. Monica is ranked No. 3 in Division 4A.

Priscilla Hidalgo scored 17 points to lead the Swordsmen on Thursday. Cassidy Carillo, Clarissa Hernandez and Adriana Gonzalez each had six points for St. Paul.

CARDINALS STILL IN HUNT

Cantwell Sacred Heart (14-7, 3-2), ranked No. 5 in Division 4A, also remains in contention for the Camino Real League girls basketball title.

After falling to St. Paul on Thursday, Cantwell sits one game behind the Swordsmen and St. Monica with three league games remaining in the regular season.

The Cardinals will seek to regroup today at home at 7 p.m. against Mary Star of the Sea.

Cantwell then will visit St. Monica on Feb. 5 before closing its regular season Feb. 7 against St. Joseph.