SOUTH COAST LEAGUE ROUNDUP : Slow and Steady Wins Little Against Monarchs
At first glance, it appears that Mater Dei’s 65-41 victory against Capistrano Valley at the Bren Center was just another rout for the top-ranked team in Orange County.
Mater Dei guard Miles Simon had 31 points and six assists, and freshman Schea Cotton added 14 points to lead the Monarchs (21-0, 5-0 in league). Simon scored 12 of the Monarchs’ 15 points in the third quarter and made a three-pointer in a 9-0 run in the fourth quarter that made the score 61-36 with two minutes remaining, sending both teams’ reserves scampering to the scorer’s table.
“Miles just took over in the third quarter,” Capistrano Valley Coach Mark Thornton said.
But Capistrano Valley, ranked seventh in the county, made it interesting, or boring, depending on the point of view.
The Cougars (14-6, 3-2) pulled their offense out to the perimeter and patiently worked the ball around for good shots.
The strategy worked early, and the Cougars trailed by only one with 4 minutes 20 seconds remaining in the first quarter before the Monarchs went to a 1-3-1, half-court trap. The pressure defense helped spark Mater Dei’s 13-2 run to close the quarter.
Mater Dei forced seven turnovers in the first quarter, and Simon had two dunks and fed Cotton for a two-hand alley-oop slam to help push the Monarchs ahead, 19-7.
In the next two quarters, Capistrano Valley continued the slow-down game plan although trailing in double figures.
“I know Mark figured that’s the best way to stay competitive against us,” Mater Dei Coach Gary McKnight said. “But everyone came to see a basketball game tonight. The kids just wanted to play, and it kind of takes the excitement out.”
If it wasn’t as exciting for some, it was encouraging for Capistrano Valley.
Brandon Puffer finished with 20 points, including four three-pointers, and Dinari Bates added 10 points. The Cougars were only outscored, 25-22, in the second and third quarters combined and remained in range until the final minutes although shooting 33% (14 of 43) from the field.
“I thought we did well, and I’m encouraged,” Thornton said. “But obviously, they’re a very good team.”
In other league games:
Dana Hills 59, San Clemente 57--Bob Hefty made a game-winning five-foot shot at the buzzer for Dana Hills (10-10, 3-2). Hefty finished with 19 points and 13 rebounds. Luke Mannix led San Clemente (10-9, 1-4) with 29 points, including five three-pointers.
Mission Viejo 60, El Toro 47--Tyler Klaklosh scored 19 points, including three three-pointers, Jerry Reid had 13 and Matt Denny added 11 for visiting Mission Viejo (7-11, 1-4). Todd Steinert scored 13 points for El Toro (10-10, 2-3).