TODAY’S GAMES
BOYS’ DIVISION I
* MATER DEI (32-2) vs. MODESTO CHRISTIAN (34-3), 8 p.m.: Guard Cedric Bozeman and center Jamal Sampson have achieved great success at Mater Dei, but they have not been able to lead the Monarchs to a state title. They were sophomores two years ago when Oakland Fremont defeated the Monarchs, 50-45, in the final. Mater Dei’s quest for its first title since 1995 has been buoyed by the outstanding play of guard Ricky Porter, who stepped up with big games in the regional semifinal against Upland and final against Fresno Clovis West. Forwards Mike Strawberry and Harrison Schaen are other key players for the Monarchs. Modesto Christian defeated defending state champion Concord De La Salle, 72-53, to advance to the final. The Crusaders are experienced and are led by Kentucky-bound forward Chuck Hayes, who scored 26 points and had 11 rebounds in the regional final. Richard Midgley had 19 points and David Paris, the son of former NFL offensive lineman Bubba Paris, had 11 points and 16 rebounds. Modesto Christian’s three losses came by a total of four points.
GIRLS’ DIVISION I
* HARBOR CITY NARBONNE (27-3) vs. BERKELEY (27-5), 6 p.m.: This is the third time in four years that these schools have met in the final. Narbonne defeated Berkeley in 1998, but was forced to vacate the championship because of recruiting violations. Last season, Narbonne defeated the Yellowjackets, 64-52, to complete a 34-0 season. Narbonne is led by Tennessee-bound senior guard Loree Moore, who virtually took over last year’s final and led Narbonne to the title. Narbonne is also big and skilled in the frontcourt with 6-footers Amber Pruitt, Wilnett Crockett and Jamie Funn. Lisa Willis is outstanding from the perimeter and freshman Camille Lenoir is already an impact player. Narbonne lost its opener against Lynwood and stumbled at Ventura Buena, but the Lady Gauchos tore through the Southern California regional and avenged its loss to Lynwood with a 67-41 victory in the final. Berkeley defeated Oakland, 55-40, in its regional final at Arco Arena. Senior guard Robin Roberson had 14 points, and senior forward Gelater Fullwood and junior forward Natasha Bailey each had 12. However, the Yellowjackets made only 15 of 60 field-goal attempts. A shooting performance like that against Narbonne means certain defeat.
BOYS’ DIVISION III
* TORRANCE BISHOP MONTGOMERY (29-2) vs. SAN FRANCISCO RIORDAN (26-8), 2:45 p.m.: Bishop Montgomery won the title last year in its first state-final appearance. USC-bound twin guards Errick and Derrick Craven lead a team that beat San Diego St. Augustine by 20 points in the regional final. Errick Craven scored 24 points, Derrick Craven had 18 and Kenny O’Doyen had 12 in the victory. The Knights also feature UC Irvine-bound guard DeVaughn Peace. Riordan is coming off a 70-46 victory over McAteer in its regional final. The Crusaders start four juniors, including Marquise Kately, who scored 39 points and had 12 rebounds in the regional final. Riordan outrebounded McAteer, 51-16.
GIRLS’ DIVISION III
* TORRANCE BISHOP MONTGOMERY (28-6) vs. SAN FRANCISCO SACRED HEART CATHEDRAL (28-2), 1 p.m.: Bishop Montgomery won the state title last season and looked like it might have the talent to win four in a row. But before this season, center Lauren Ervin and guard Brittney Thomas transferred to Artesia, seemingly leaving Bishop Montgomery without enough to return to the state final. The Knights, however, have rallied behind sophomore guard Noelle Quinn, who scored 20 points in a 60-51 regional final victory over Fullerton Rosary. Bishop Montgomery showed its mettle in that game, making 18 of 21 free throws, including 14 of 16 in the fourth quarter. Sacred Heart is led by Tessa Moon and Tori Russell, who scored 20 and 10 points, respectively, in a 47-41 regional final victory over Martinez Alhambra.
BOYS’ DIVISION IV
* SANTA MONICA CROSSROADS (22-5) vs. BERKELEY ST. MARY’S (30-4), 11:15 a.m.: Crossroads center Isaiah Fox, who will attend Arizona, is the marquee player for the Roadrunners, who advanced to the final with a 66-52 victory over Bakersfield Garces. Fox, 6-10, scored 33 points and had 22 rebounds in that game and Joe Abrahams added 11. St. Mary’s is led by junior guard John Sharper, who scored 28 points in the regional semifinals and 26 in the final. Chase Moore, who scored 18 points and had eight rebounds in the regional final, is St. Mary’s top frontcourt player.
GIRLS’ DIVISION IV
* LA JOLLA BISHOP’S (24-6) vs. STOCKTON ST. MARY’S (35-1), 9:30 a.m.: Center Lindsay Killus made 10 of 12 shots and scored 24 points in Bishop’s easy victory over Oak Park in the regional final. The Knights also feature senior guards Brianna and Mallone Winn. Defending state champion St. Mary’s, which defeated Playa del Rey St. Bernard in last year’s final, is led by senior guard Michelle Cozad, who scored 23 points and had 10 rebounds in a regional final victory over Kentfield Marin Catholic.
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