Simi Valley Falls Short

Simi Valley High’s bid for revenge came up short Monday night.

Mater Dei, which defeated the Pioneers in the Southern Section Division I-A semifinals last season, outscored Simi Valley, 14-9, in the fourth quarter and held on for a 57-53 victory in the first round of the Nike Prep Classic boys’ basketball tournament at Torrey Pines High.

Jamal Sampson, a 6-foot-11 junior center, was dominant for Mater Dei (12-1), finishing with 10 points, 16 rebounds and eight blocks. Steve Scoggin scored all 11 of his points in the fourth quarter for the Monarchs.

Simi Valley (9-1), behind the play of senior forward Branduinn Fullove, surged to a 42-34 lead with 2:40 left in the third quarter before Mater Dei closed the gap to one at the end of the quarter.

Fullove led the Pioneers with 26 points, including 17 in the second half.

Dustin Villepigue, who had 11 points, was the only other player who scored in double figures for Simi Valley.