BOYS’ BASKETBALL ROUNDUP : A Different McKnight Gives Mater Dei a Lift

All those years Clay McKnight spent shooting basketballs at Southern California arenas while serving as the ball boy for Mater Dei finally paid off Wednesday night.

McKnight, a sophomore reserve guard on his father’s basketball team, made six consecutive three-point shots to lead Mater Dei to a 72-54 victory over Los Angeles Westchester in the second round of the Tournament of Champions at Ocean View High.

McKnight entered the game late in the first quarter when the Monarchs’ more heralded shooter, Miles Simon, picked up his second foul and proceeded to make four consecutive three-pointers in the half. He finished with a game-high 20 points and added six rebounds.

McKnight’s third three-pointer followed a steal and was from NBA range. The shot pushed Mater Dei ahead, 17-10, and the Monarchs were never seriously threatened afterward.

“Years of shooting in arenas before our championship games finally paid off,” said Clay’s proud father. “I challenged the kids today to perform every night against good teams and they responded.”

Westchester, the two-time defending City Section 4-A champion, fell to 7-3 and later Coach Ed Azzam was asked if anyone in the area could beat Mater Dei, now 7-0.

“It’s going take a team with size that plays excellent defense and is patient offensively,” he said. “You’re going to need some athletes to cover them inside and outside. They don’t have great quickness, but they’re very disciplined.”

In consolation play:

Lakewood 51, Servite 42--Lakewood scored 18 consecutive points from midway through the third quarter through midway of the fourth quarter as Servite (1-4) committed 25 turnovers.

Servite managed to trim a 43-27 deficit to 44-40 with two minutes remaining, but Lakewood (4-4) held off the Friars by making six of eight free throws in the last quarter. Junior Mark Seaton had 20 points and 12 rebounds for Servite.