FULLERTON — The Mater Dei girls basketball team found itself having to fight from behind for nearly every minute against Ontario Christian – the No.1 team in the state – in the championship of the Troy Classic tournament Saturday at Troy High School.
But after trailing by double digits heading into the fourth quarter, the Monarchs went on a run and made it a one-possession game in the final minute.
But Tatianna Griffin, one of Ontario’s two elite freshmen, hit a game-clinching 3-pointer in the final seconds for the Knights, who came away with a 66-58 victory.
The Knights (9-0), who are ranked No. 1 in the state by MaxPreps, remain undefeated while handing the Monarchs (7-1) their first loss of the season.
“Absolutely, high-level basketball,” Mater Dei first year coach Jody Wynn said. “I think everybody got to see incredible talent on display on both sides. We gave ourselves a fighting chance. The foul trouble hurt us a little bit today, and some turnovers that turned into layups. They’re really good in transition.”
The Monarchs also have their share of standout players, one being Iowa-committed point guard Addison Deal, who led all players with 28 points and came close to bringing the Monarchs all the way by herself.
Deal, who missed most of last season with an ankle injury, hit a pair of free throws with just under two minutes to get the Monarchs to within seven.
Deal then scored off her own steal, cutting the deficit to five.
The Register’s Orange County Player of the Year for 2023 then grabbed a rebound, drove the length of the court, weaved through two defenders and made a reverse layup to make it a three-point game.
Deal hit three 3-pointers, made driving layups, pull-up jump shots and grabbed rebounds.
“She’s playing like a McDonalds All American,” Wynn said. “She’s a phenomenal player.”
Mater Dei’s two main scorers were Deal and junior Kaeli Wynn, who scored 16 points.
But Mater had trouble containing 6-7 freshman Sydney Douglas, who scored 11 for the Knights and was among four Ontario Christian players in double figures.
Those included Griffin (20), Kaleena Smith (15) and Alana Neale (10).
Mater Dei had one-sided victories against its first seven opponents leading up to the game against the Knights.
“Our effort is there every single day,” Jody Wynn said. “They come to work every day in practice. They’re very unselfish. They truly support each other. They love each other. They’ve got such a great bond and it’s enjoyable to coach a group like that.”
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