Advertisement

Mater Dei Continues Its Tournament Run

Share
TIMES STAFF WRITER

Another day, another easy victory for Mater Dei.

The Monarchs pounded Houston Clear Lake, 80-65, Tuesday in the Millennium Cup division of the Holiday Prep Classic at Durango High.

But the second-round victory wasn’t nearly as significant as was the return from the hospital of Monarch guard Travis Gabler, who underwent surgery for appendicitis Monday night in Las Vegas.

Gabler, the team’s best three-point shooter, was at the game Tuesday after an operation that doctors termed successful.

Advertisement

“I’m really sore and kind of tired,” Gabler said.

Gabler said he hopes to return to the court Dec. 26, when the Monarchs open play in a tournament in Myrtle Beach, S.C.

The 6-foot-3 senior, who’s getting little attention from major colleges despite being the fourth-leading scorer on one of the best teams in the country, was disappointed that he could not showcase his talent before all the coaches gathered here.

“I thought I would get a couple of looks because not a lot of people know about me,” Gabler said. “It’s kind of frustrating to work so hard and have to be out with appendicitis.”

Mater Dei guard Ricky Porter, another potential college recruit, led the Monarchs (8-0) to their victory over Clear Lake. He finished with 18 points on seven-of-nine shooting in only 12 minutes.

“Ricky Porter is one of the most underrated players around,” Mater Dei Coach Gary McKnight said.

Center Jamal Sampson added 15 points and guard Cedric Bozeman had 14 for the Monarchs, who built a 34-point lead late in the first half. Clear Lake (12-4) cut into its deficit considerably in the second half against Mater Dei’s second and third teams.

Advertisement

The Monarchs will play Phoenix St. Mary’s (9-1), one of the top teams in Arizona, in a semifinal today at 5:50 p.m. at Green Valley High.

In the Silver Cup division:

Denver East 56, Capistrano Valley 50--Forward Pete Decasas scored 17 points and Matt Sweany had 12 in a losing effort for the Cougars (5-2).

In the Bronze Cup division:

San Clemente 72, Las Vegas Eldorado 52--Guard James Hartman had 21 points and seven rebounds to lead the Tritons (9-2).

L.A. Daniel Murphy 73, Canyon 64--Guard Matt Baranick led four Comanche scorers in double figures with 13 points, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Canyon’s shooting woes. The Comanches (4-4) shot 32.4% from the field.

Advertisement