The Mater Dei boys basketball team dominated Centennial in the Division I CIF State Southern California Regional playoffs, securing an 86-64 victory. Led by Owen Verna, Brandon Benjamin, Luke Barnett, and Blake Davidson, the Monarchs showcased exceptional offense, with Verna leading all scorers with 28 points, including seven 3-pointers. Mater Dei's 29 assists, including 10 from Brady Karich, underscored their strong teamwork and ball movement. The team's 25-point lead entering the fourth quarter solidified their commanding performance, ultimately securing a spot in the upcoming match against Notre Dame of Sherman Oaks.

By the Numbers
  • Owen Verna scored 28 points, inclusive of seven 3-pointers
  • Mater Dei recorded 29 assists, with 10 from Brady Karich
  • Centennial was led by Isaiah Rogers' 19 points and Arizona commit Carter Bryant's 11 points
State of Play
  • Mater Dei (28-5) will face No. 7 seed Notre Dame of Sherman Oaks after clinching a 25th consecutive season in the month of March
  • The team's strong defense limited Centennial's impact on the offensive glass and second-chance opportunities
  • After a challenging CIF-SS Open Division pool play, Mater Dei seems to have found their rhythm in the regional playoffs
Bottom Line

Mater Dei's dominant display on offense and teamwork secured a resounding 86-64 victory over Centennial, setting the stage for their upcoming match against Notre Dame of Sherman Oaks in the CIF State playoffs.