No. 16 Sierra Canyon beats Mater Dei for second straight CIF Southern Section title

Five-star standout Ziaire Williams scored 23 points leading No. 16 Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth, Calif.) to a second straight CIF Southern Section Open Division title Friday night with a 59-48 win over Mater Dei (Santa Ana) in Long Beach.

Sierra Canyon (28-4) never trailed in the signature victory, although the Monarchs (25-7) showed fight throughout the showdown between Southern California heavyweights. They never trailed by more than 11 points.

Williams, who has yet to sign or commit to a college program, was unstoppable most of the night and added six rebounds and four assists. As usual, he had a lot of help from Kentucky-signee Brandon Boston, Jr., who chipped in 16 points and nine rebounds. 

Junior Wilhelm Breidenbach finished with 18 points and 14 rebounds, while Kentucky-signee Devin Askew added 15 points for Mater Dei.

The Trailblazers have been dominant in the Golden State in recent seasons, compiling a 44-2 record against in-state opponents. They also went unbeaten in pool play, defeating St. John Bosco (Bellflower), St. Anthony (Long Beach) and Etiwanda to reach the title game.

Sierra Canyon (28-4) will almost assuredly enter the CIF Southern California Open regional as the top seed while seeking a third straight state title. The Trailblazers open defense of that title on Wednesday.

Despite the loss, Mater Dei (25-7) still has a strong opportunity to build on its state-record 11 state crowns behind a deep and talented roster full of experience, along with legendary coach Gary McKnight.