Mitty’s opponent in foul trouble at state finals, so what else is new?

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San Jose Mitty must be really popular in these parts. Either that, or the referees here have a different rule book than everybody everywhere else.

Both of Mater Dei’s point guards received their third fouls in the second quarter, forcing Coach Gary McKnight to insert some Monarchs who haven’t played since the NFL season. That said, the reserves held up pretty well at Arco Arena, helping Mater Dei maintain a 34-24 lead at the half.

At least Mitty’s best player, UCLA-bound forward Drew Gordon, also has three fouls, picking up his third while battling Andy Brown for a rebound with 2.6 seconds left in the half. He also cost himself a personal foul when he and Jamaal Trice got into each other’s faces in the first half for a double technical.

The referee with the bald head that looks like a young Yule Brynner seems to have it in for the Monarchs, causing McKnight to accuse him of being a ‘one-man show.’’ To which Brynner’s body double replied, ‘You think I’m afraid to blow my whistle?’

II guess he’s never officiated a game in the Mater Dei gym, where referees are routinely afraid to blow their whistles.

David Wear has a team-high 10 points for the Monarchs, who shot 48% from the floor in the first half.

Collin Chiverton has 10 points for Mitty, which shot 24%.

Brace yourself for the third quarter, folks. That’s when things really get strange around here.

McKnight just asked me and Eric Sondheimer what the deal is with the refs. Sondheimer responded by asking why he played 10 guys in the first half, when he usually plays only six or seven.

‘You’re next,’’ McKnight cracked to Sondheimer.

Since I’m a foot taller than Eri, that was a bit of a low blow.

-- Dan Arritt

-- Image from www.clipartguide.com