Regional Final Game Proves to Be a Mixed Bag for the Monarchs

Controversy overshadowed a great basketball game at Anaheim Arena Saturday night.

With 1 minute 21 seconds remaining, a blocking foul on Mater Dei’s Mike Karich wiped out a three-pointer by Clay McKnight that would have tied the score at 69.

Still, Los Angeles Crenshaw had to hang on to beat Mater Dei, 71-67, in a game that was similar to Crenshaw’s 63-61, buzzer-beater victory over the Monarchs last season.

The Cougars were more physical, talented, and mature than the Monarchs . . . yet Mater Dei had its chances to win late.

“We had only one starter returning from last year’s team,” Mater Dei Coach Gary McKnight said. “This season we had guys who played JVs last year, some who were in the eighth grade . . . I couldn’t be more proud of these guys.”

Junior Shaun Jackson played UCLA-bound forward Kristaan Johnson to a standstill. Johnson had 27 points and nine rebounds and Jackson had 19 points and five rebounds, scoring six of the Monarchs’ seven fourth-quarter points.

Freshman Schea Cotton had 16 points and seven rebounds before fouling out with 2 minutes 25 seconds remaining. Junior guard Clay McKnight handled the relentless pressure of Crenshaw’s defense and had 11 points and two three-pointers.

While Jackson, Cotton, and McKnight figure to return and to make another run at the Southern California Regional final, it was the last chance for point guard Miles Simon, who is Arizona-bound.

Simon, who had missed a potential game-winning shot in the closing minutes of last season’s loss, had another chance to win a title but watched his shot roll off the rim.

After Jackson cut the lead to 68-66 on two free throws with 3:14 remaining, Simon made a steal, sped upcourt, spun around one defender and missed a tough layup with 2:46 to play.

It all seemed to unravel from there for Mater Dei.

Twenty-one seconds later, Cotton fouled out and McKnight’s three-pointer was erased 1:04 later.

“I thought Kris pushed Mike, but I told our guys what I think doesn’t count,” McKnight said.