Monarchs Continue Big Surge

Mater Dei’s game against San Diego University was supposed to be one of the more attractive matchups in the eight-game Dream Classic Monday at the Pyramid.

Instead, it was another Mater Dei blowout.

The Monarchs led by 13 points at the end of the first quarter and 24 at halftime en route to a 72-47 victory.

Mater Dei center Jamal Sampson missed his sixth consecutive game because of the flu, but the Monarchs (21-1) cruised to their second victory over the Dons. Mater Dei defeated University, 64-42, in a tournament in December.

“This week has been a battle [playing without Sampson],” said Monarch guard Steve Scoggin, who scored 16 points. “We’re playing together and everyone is involved. People have stepped up.”

Mater Dei Coach Gary McKnight was stepping lightly, and with the benefit of crutches Monday. McKnight said he injured his left knee Saturday night chasing a ball during a casual shoot-around after a youth event. He will have an MRI today.

McKnight is feeling good about the Monarchs’ recent play, but he said he enjoys it much more when Sampson is in the lineup. Sampson is not expected to play until next week.

“It’s a lot more fun having a talented 6-11 guy in there,” McKnight said.

From Mater Dei’s perspective, there was still plenty to enjoy Monday.

Junior Cedric Bozeman scored 15 points, freshman Harrison Schaen 11 and sophomore Mike Strawberry eight for the Monarchs.

“We picked up the pace today,” Bozeman said. “[Sampson’s absence] has helped us because now we know we can play without having to always rely on the big guy for everything.”

Chris Walton scored 17 points for University (14-3), a perennial contender for the Division III state title.

Mater Dei was ahead, 8-0, before University scored with 4:47 left in the first quarter. The Monarchs never led by less than seven points.

After taking a 39-15 halftime lead, Mater Dei extended the margin to 49-21 on a basket by Schaen midway through the third quarter.