Boys Basketball:
Damien went out to Orange County and held Mater Dei to just 18 points in the second half.
And the Spartans came home with a 55-51 victory over the Monarchs in the first round of the CIF-SS Open Division playoffs.
RJ Smith led Damien with 21 points and Malik Thomas chipped in with 19 points.
Harrison Hornery led all scorers with 25 points, and fellow Monarch, Nick Davidson, finished with 14 points.
Mater Dei entered Friday night’s game 26-1.
Jimmy Oladokun contributed 10 points in the win.
Up next: Damien will travel to Corona Centennial on Monday.
Box Score:
D: 13-14-12-16-(55)
MD: 16-17-5-13-(51)
Damien scoring: RJ Smith 21, Malik Thomas 19, Jimmy Oladokun 10, Harry Han 3, Spivey Word 2
Mater Dei scoring: Harrison Hornery 25, Nick Davidson 14, Kaden Minter 5, Scotty Belnap 4, Mason Ressler 2, Gabriel Quiette 2
Records: Damien (27-2); Mater Dei (26-2)