Mater Dei powers past Garces girls
| Wednesday, Mar 11 2009 02:48 AM
Last Updated Wednesday, Mar 25 2009 06:16 PM
SANTA ANA — Caitlin Bernardin buried a 3-pointer to draw Garces within one at 7-6 with early in the first quarter Tuesday against Mater Dei.
Unfortunately for the Rams, it was all downhill from there for the Rams. Led by sophomore sensation Kaleena Lewis’ game-high 32 points, Mater Dei (31-0), ranked No. 1 in the state by CalHiSports.com and No. 3 in the nation by ESPN RISE, rolled to an 85-26 victory over Garces in a CIF Southern California Regional first-round game at Mater Dei High’s Mereulo Athletic Center.
Lewis showed off her marksmanship from outside in the first quarter with three 3-pointers and 11 points. But she was just getting started. She got loose for 10 more points in the second quarter.
“(Lewis) was unbelievable,” said Garces coach Tod Denison. “Mater Dei, as a team, was pretty intimidating. They’re the best team I have ever coached against.”
The Monarchs were simply bigger, faster and better. They shot 49 percent (36-of-74) for the game, forced 30 turnovers, and outrebounded the Rams (30-3), 42-15.
“Garces is a well-coached team and plays very hard,” said Monarchs coach Kevin Kiernan. “But we had some size advantage, and there was somewhat of a talent gap. That made the difference.”
At times, the Rams had difficulties just getting the ball up the court. They shot just 28 times – making eight – and had just one offensive rebound.
“(Mater Dei) is the best team I’ve ever played against,” said Bernardin, who led Garces with 11 points.
Immediately following Bernardin’s first-quarter bucket, the Monarchs went on an 18-0 run and led, 27-8, at the end of the first quarter. The game became a rout in the second quarter when Mater Dei outscored the Rams, 24-10, to take a commanding 51-18 lead.
Mater Dei’s effort comes just days after it crushed Beverly Hills, 81-42, to win its first Southern Section championship since 2003.
Sarah Allen scored seven points for the Rams.
