Harvard-Westlake 65, Santa Ynez 46--The Wolverines earned...

Harvard-Westlake 65, Santa Ynez 46--The Wolverines earned a chance to defend their Division III-A championship, but have their sights set on loftier goals.

“We want to go to Sacramento,” senior forward Omelogo Udeze said of reaching the site of the state finals.

Udeze collected 28 points and 11 rebounds on Saturday at Notre Dame High to move the top-seeded Wolverines (26-4) a step closer to Northern California.

Harvard-Westlake will meet Inglewood Morningside next week in a rematch of last season’s division final, won by Harvard-Westlake, 45-41. Harvard-Westlake also defeated the Monarchs, 61-53, last season in the Southern Regionals.

Second-seeded Morningside defeated No. 3-seeded Costa Mesa, 38-34, in the other semifinal Saturday.

“We want to go to the state championship,” said junior guard Brooke Porter, who added 19 points, including four three-point baskets. “But we realize we had to get to the Pyramid first before we can go to the Arco Arena.”

Udeze scored 12 points to help stake the Wolverines to a quick 15-5 lead. They led, 41-21, at halftime, and by as many as 24 points in the third quarter. Udeze had 26 points after three quarters.

Junior L’Tanya Robnett also made four three-point shots for her 12 points.

Santa Ynez finished 15-11.

The victory was the Wolverines’ 75th in three seasons under Coach Brian Taylor.