The Monarchs led by as many as 18 in the first half, making eight threes. Some thought the Braves would offer a better showing after being routed by 21 by Mater Dei at Crypto.com Arena on Jan. 6. A change in venue did nothing to change things — until the second half.
Elzie Harrington and Brandon McCoy combined to score all but six of St. John Bosco’s points in the final 16 minutes. St. John Bosco closed to 62-60 with 2:01 left on a Harrington three. But the Braves never had an answer for Mater Dei sophomore guard Luke Barnett.
Barnett made consecutive threes to end the comeback. He finished making six threes and scoring 21 points to help Mater Dei defeat St. John Bosco 72-66. Mater Dei (25-2, 8-1 league) still needs to defeat Santa Margarita on Thursday to win an outright league title. St. John Bosco dropped to 22-5 and 7-2.
With one of St. John Bosco’s best players, Kade Bonam, still out because of a shoulder injury, the Braves were pretty much a two-man team. McCoy and Harrington scored 50 of the Braves’ 66 points. McCoy had 26 points and Harrington 24. Helping Barnett were Owen Verna and Blake Davidson with 13 points apiece for the Monarchs.
The Monarchs lost sophomore forward Brannon Martinsen to an ankle injury in the second quarter. He limped off the court and didn’t return.
Barnett continues to be an invaluable sixth man. His three last weekend at the Nike Extravaganza in the final seconds knocked off Los Alamitos. He’s instant points off the bench and if left open in three-point range, he’s close to automatic. There’s no hesitation when he releases his shot and he exudes confidence.
Mater Dei coach Gary McKnight was animated with the officials in the fourth quarter. At one point he was on the floor, causing St. John Bosco coach Matt Dunn to join him, not wanting any advantage given.
Both schools should be in the Open Division playoffs when seedings are announced Sunday. And another Trinity League team, JSerra, could join them.
JSerra 49, Santa Margarita 42: The Lions (23-4, 6-3) kept their Open Division playoff hopes alive. Aidan Fowler led a balanced attack with 12 points.
Damien 62, Rancho Cucamonga 38: Xavier Clinton made five threes and finished with 21 points and Nate Garcia added 20 points to help Damien advance to the Baseline League championship game Thursday against Etiwanda.
Harvard-Westlake 70, Bishop Alemany 33: Robert Hinton scored 14 points for Harvard-Westlake, which will play at Sherman Oaks Notre Dame on Wednesday night in a Mission League tournament semifinal.
Crespi 68, St. Francis 54: Joe Sterling scored 19 points and Peyton White 15 for the Celts, who will play at Sierra Canyon on Wednesday in the Mission League tournament semifinals.
Dominguez 50, Downey 46: Harper Mills had 15 points and 12 rebounds for Dominguez.
Redondo Union 89, Peninsula 30: SJ Madison scored 16 points for Redondo Union.
Santa Monica 50, Mira Costa 45: Luke Hecht and Jayden Xu each scored 18 points for Santa Monica.
Foothill 46, El Dorado 41: Isaiah Bernard and Rocco Gaffoglio each had 13 points for Foothill.
Westlake 79, Newbury Park 36: Austin Maziasz had 29 points for the Warriors (22-5, 8-1).
Crescenta Valley 62, Glendale 48: Vaughn Zargarian had 23 points for the Falcons (21-6, 11-2).
Pasadena 67, Arcadia 58: The Bulldogs took over sole possession of first place in the Pacific League on a night Michael Cooper had his jersey retired.
Valencia 80, Golden Valley 69: Bryce Bedgood led four players in double figures with 21 points and 14 rebounds.
Grant 69, Verdugo Hills 59: In the completion of a game halted by a power failure, the Lancers improved to 20-6. Will Overton scored 18 points.
Girls’ basketball
Louisville 79, Notre Dame Academy 24: Andrea Hurtado scored 29 points and Taylor Westbrook added 20 points to help Louisville win the Angelus League title.
Orangewood Academy 61, Brentwood 56: Coach Leslie Aragon picked up the 500th win in her career as her team took a big step toward securing an Open Division playoff berth.
Sierra Canyon 93, Sherman Oaks Notre Dame 38: Jerzy Robinson finished with 40 points and 18 rebounds for Sierra Canyon.
Etiwanda 82, Los Osos 48: The Eagles clinched another Baseline League championship and continued on a collision course with Sierra Canyon to meet in the Open Division playoffs. Freshman Aliyah Phillips scored 26 points.