Monarchs win crown by clearing the boards

There was a definite spring in the legs of 6-foot-7 Xavier Johnson on Saturday night. And with shots not going through the hoop very often at the Anaheim Convention Center, the Santa Ana Mater Dei senior was picking up rebounds in bunches.

Mater Dei took advantage of its second chances courtesy of Johnson and came away with a 63-59 victory over Long Beach Poly in the Southern Section 1AA championship game. It was the 21st section title in 30 years for Mater Dei Coach Gary McKnight.

Johnson, who signed with Colorado in November, finished with 19 points and 20 rebounds.

“That’s a heck of a night,” McKnight said.

Poly (27-2) never led, and Coach Sharrief Metoyer credited the 21 offensive rebounds by Mater Dei as decisive.

“That’s unheard of,” Metoyer said. “Giving up 21 second and third opportunities is going to kill you.”

Both teams shot 34% for the game, but Mater Dei outrebounded the Jackrabbits, 44-32.

Despite the stats going against the Jackrabbits, they had a chance to win. Long Beach Poly closed to within 59-58 on a three-pointer by Joshua Munzon with 1:28 left.

Stanley Johnson missed five consecutive free throws in the final 16 seconds for Mater Dei (29-2) until finally clinching the win by making a free throw with three seconds left.

Mater Dei’s big three came through. Katin Reinhardt had 17 points and Stanley Johnson added 14 points. Senior guard Chris Croom kept Poly in the game with 19 points, making three of six from three-point range.

Last season, Poly won the 1AA title. Then Mater Dei beat the Jackrabbits during the state playoffs and went on to win the state Division I title. Poly’s Roschon Prince, who had 16 points, hopes the Jackrabbits can duplicate that feat starting next week.

“I feel we can do the same thing they did and win a state championship,” Prince said.

Mater Dei held a 27-21 halftime lead. Poly struggled throughout the half with its shooting, making eight of 32 attempts. Mater Dei wasn’t much better at eight for 30. The difference was the rebounding of Xavier Johnson, who had 12 of his team’s 26 rebounds.

“This is a tough year,” McKnight said. “Last year we snuck up on people. The team is expected to win and when you wear that on your back, it’s tough. I’m proud of them.”

eric.sondheimer@latimes.com