Mater Dei Again Wins Easily in Las Vegas

Mater Dei Coach Gary McKnight said Friday before his team’s game that it would be nice to have another game that would allow him to play more people and give the regulars a rest.

“It’s tough to play six games,” he said. “And the really tough teams begin to emerge tomorrow.

McKnight got his wish as the Monarchs (6-0) took an 18-0 lead and coasted to a 76-50 victory over the Reno (Nev.) Galena in the Reebok Holiday Prep Classic in Las Vegas.

Mater Dei was led in scoring by Tom Lippold with 21 points, followed by Kevin Augustine with 14, and Mike Vukovich with 13 points and nine rebounds. Vukovich was voted game MVP.

McKnight was not totally satisfied with the team’s effort.

“We broke down in second half and lost our concentration,” he said. “We will need to improve on this tomorrow. I’ve never seen a tougher tournament than this one, and we will need our best effort.”