SOUTHERN SECTION BOYS’ BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS : Mater Dei Plays Millikan in 5-A Final

Mater Dei High School makes an unprecedented fifth straight appearance in the boys’ major division basketball championship game at 8:45 tonight, playing Millikan for the 5-A division championship in the Sports Arena.

The Monarchs (27-1) are vying for their third consecutive 5-A title. They won the 4-A title in Coach Gary McKnight’s first season in 1983. Millikan (24-3) was runner-up to Verbum Dei for the 4-A title in 1974, the Rams’ last championship game appearance.

LeRon Ellis, a 6-foot 11-inch center, averages 23.6 points and 8 rebounds for the Monarchs. Forwards Shawn Williams (16.7 points) and Ken Jarvis (16.0) are the Rams’ leading scorers.

Mater Dei is 143-7 under McKnight the past six seasons.