Augustine Leads Mater Dei to Win

Kevin Augustine, Mater Dei’s talented guard, showed off a rarely seen facet of his ability Friday as the Monarchs beat Los Alamitos, 68-55, in one semifinal of the Tournament of Champions at Ocean View High.

Augustine, who has already signed with USC, got his fourth foul with about seven minutes left in the game but stayed on the court and was the difference in the final quarter.

He had nine of his game-high 21 points in the final quarter as Mater Dei (3-0) avoided the upset.

Augustine made seven of eight free-throw attempts in the fourth quarter and made Coach Gary McKnight’s decision to leave him in after getting his fourth foul look wise.

“[My two assistants] wanted him out,” McKnight said. “But he makes all the difference for us.”

Another reason it was important for Augustine to remain on the court was because David Castleton, another key member of the backcourt, is still playing with the football team, which plays in the Southern Section final tonight against Loyola.

Because of the football game, the basketball tournament final will be moved to 7 p.m. Monday against Westchester at Ocean View High.

“That’s great for us,” said McKnight.

What wasn’t so great for Mater Dei Friday was the impressive performance of Los Alamitos’ outside shooters in the first half.

The Griffins made seven of 15 three-pointers in the first half and led by as many as six. The teams were tied at halftime, 33-33, but Mater Dei moved ahead, 47-39, after three quarters.

Mater Dei extended its defense in the second half and prevented Los Alamitos’ players from getting open to attempt many three-pointers. Los Alamitos made three of eight in the second half.

Los Alamitos got as close as five, 52-47, with four minutes 21 seconds left in the game.

Tom Lippold had 18 and Mike Vukovich had 16 for Mater Dei, which dominated the game inside. Mater Dei out-rebounded Los Alamitos, 43-18. Vukovich had 16 rebounds.

Los Alamitos’ Rick Garibay and Kevin Staniec each had 12 points, including three three-pointers. Travis Strang also had three three-pointers and finished with nine points for the Griffins.