Notre Dame Bench Strength Lifts Knights Past Muir, 91-73

John Murray began the game on the bench--right where he was when it ended.

In between, Murray scored a game-high 24 points and eight rebounds to lead Notre Dame High to a 91-73 victory over Muir on Monday night in the Red Division final of the La Canada tournament.

Murray, a 6-foot-4 junior guard, entered the game midway through the first quarter and scored 16 points by halftime--including 12 in the second quarter when Notre Dame (7-3) extended an 18-13 lead to 46-32.

Murray added eight points in the third quarter before fouling out midway through the fourth.

Muir (7-4) threatened to make a run after Steve Collins made a steal and dunked to pull the Mustangs to within 58-43 late in the third quarter. But Murray countered with an inside bank shot that triggered an 8-2 run for Notre Dame.

Murray, a starter last season who has battled injury and illness this season, considered his performance a step in the right direction.

“I was supposed to start (this season), but I got sick and then I hurt my knee,” Murray said. “I’ll do whatever the coaches want me to do, but I want to start.”

Notre Dame senior forward Chris Forde, who scored 15 points before fouling out in the fourth quarter, was selected the tournament’s most valuable player.

Senior guard Jorge Piedra, who added 16 points, also was an all-tournament selection.

In the Gold Division final, Bishop Montgomery defeated Pasadena, 70-52.