With its three-point shooters on track and its massive males defending the rim, Mater Dei had heaps going for it in a Trinity League showdown in opposition to St. John Bosco on Tuesday evening in Santa Ana.
The Monarchs led by as many as 18 within the first half, making eight threes. Some thought the Braves would provide a greater exhibiting after being routed by 21 by Mater Dei at Crypto.com Area on Jan. 6. A change in venue did nothing to vary issues — till the second half.
Elzie Harrington and Brandon McCoy mixed to attain all however six of St. John Bosco’s factors within the remaining 16 minutes. St. John Bosco closed to 62-60 with 2:01 left on a Harrington three. However the Braves by no means had a solution for Mater Dei sophomore guard Luke Barnett.
Barnett made consecutive threes to finish the comeback. He completed making six threes and scoring 21 factors to assist Mater Dei defeat St. John Bosco 72-66. Mater Dei (25-2, 8-1 league) nonetheless must defeat Santa Margarita on Thursday to win an outright league title. St. John Bosco dropped to 22-5 and 7-2.
With certainly one of St. John Bosco’s greatest gamers, Kade Bonam, nonetheless out due to a shoulder damage, the Braves had been just about a two-man workforce. McCoy and Harrington scored 50 of the Braves’ 66 factors. McCoy had 26 factors and Harrington 24. Serving to Barnett had been Owen Verna and Blake Davidson with 13 factors apiece for the Monarchs.
The Monarchs misplaced sophomore ahead Brannon Martinsen to an ankle damage within the second quarter. He limped off the courtroom and didn’t return.
Barnett continues to be a useful sixth man. His three final weekend on the Nike Extravaganza within the remaining seconds knocked off Los Alamitos. He’s instantaneous factors off the bench and if left open in three-point vary, he’s near automated. There’s no hesitation when he releases his shot and he exudes confidence.
Mater Dei coach Gary McKnight was animated with the officers within the fourth quarter. At one level he was on the ground, inflicting St. John Bosco coach Matt Dunn to affix him, not wanting any benefit given.
Each faculties needs to be within the Open Division playoffs when seedings are introduced Sunday. And one other Trinity League workforce, JSerra, might be part of them.
JSerra 49, Santa Margarita 42: The Lions (23-4, 6-3) stored their Open Division playoff hopes alive. Aidan Fowler led a balanced assault with 12 factors.
Damien 62, Rancho Cucamonga 38: Xavier Clinton made 5 threes and completed with 21 factors and Nate Garcia added 20 factors to assist Damien advance to the Baseline League championship sport Thursday in opposition to Etiwanda.
Harvard-Westlake 70, Bishop Alemany 33: Robert Hinton scored 14 factors for Harvard-Westlake, which can play at Sherman Oaks Notre Dame on Wednesday evening in a Mission League event semifinal.
Crespi 68, St. Francis 54: Joe Sterling scored 19 factors and Peyton White 15 for the Celts, who will play at Sierra Canyon on Wednesday within the Mission League event semifinals.
Dominguez 50, Downey 46: Harper Mills had 15 factors and 12 rebounds for Dominguez.
Women’ basketball
Louisville 79, Notre Dame Academy 24: Andrea Hurtado scored 29 factors and Taylor Westbrook added 20 factors to assist Louisville win the Angelus League title.
Orangewood Academy 61, Brentwood 56: Coach Leslie Aragon picked up the five hundredth win in her profession as her workforce took an enormous step towards securing an Open Division playoff berth.
Sierra Canyon 93, Sherman Oaks Notre Dame 38: Jerzy Robinson completed with 40 factors and 18 rebounds for Sierra Canyon.
