HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL: SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS : BOYS’ ROUNDUP : Williams, Geary Lead Mater Dei to Title

Santa Ana Mater Dei High completed a perfect season against Southern California opponents by defeating Capistrano Valley, 54-44, Saturday night for the State Southern Regional Division I title at the Sports Arena.

Mater Dei (34-1), which has been The Times’ No. 1 Southern Section team all season, has won 20 consecutive games since losing to Oak Hill Academy of Virginia in December.

Marmet Williams, a junior forward, led Mater Dei with 16 points and Arizona-bound guard Reggie Geary added 12.

The Monarchs, who have defeated Capistrano Valley three times this season, never trailed after leading, 29-20, at halftime. However, Mater Dei did receive a scare during the second half when it was held to six points in the third quarter.

Behind an aggressive defense, Capistrano Valley was able to shut down the Monarchs’ offense and closed within 37-32 early in the fourth quarter, but never came closer.

Mater Dei, which won State Division titles in 1987 and 1990, will play defending champion Alameda St. Joseph for the State title next Saturday in Sacramento.

With three-point shooter Tom Airey sidelined because of a broken foot, Capistrano Valley (30-4) was led by David Sedgwick’s 12 points.

“Capistrano Valley played on a lot of emotion this week without Airy,” Mater Dei Coach Gary McKnight said. “They were really fired up. It was like the Lakers playing without Magic.”