Mater Dei Starts Las Vegas Tournament With a Rout

The Mater Dei boys’ basketball team took its first step Thursday toward defending its Reebok National Prep Classic crown, defeating North Allegheny of Wexford, Pa., 74-34, in Las Vegas.

The Monarchs jumped to a 20-0 lead. North Allegheny (3-5) scored its first points nearly eight minutes into the first half. By that time, Mater Dei Coach Gary McKnight had begun to clear the bench.

Mater Dei (5-0) will play Galena (Nev.) today.

“It was nice to be able to play a lot of people,” McKnight said. “If we are going to win this tournament again, we need these kind of games.”

Mater Dei shot 65% from the field in the first half, and held North Allegheny to only 29%. The Monarchs forced 21 turnovers and committed 10.

Tom Lippold led the Monarchs with 17 points, making seven of 12 shots. Kevin Augustine had 14 points and David Castleton 13.