Video: Ethan Thompson highlights
See Bishop Montgomery senior star in action. The California Southern Section Open Division title game most didn't see coming finished with a flurry Saturday night at the Honda Center as
Bishop Montgomery (Torrance) utilized a big fourth-quarter to score a 70-55 win over
Mater Dei (Santa Ana).
Down 44-38 entering the fourth quarter, Bishop Montgomery (27-2) outscored Mater Dei 32-11 in the final eight minutes to win going away.
Bishop Montgomery was led by
Ethan Thompson (23 points),
David Singleton (21) and
Jordan Schakel (16). Thompson and Singleton each had 12 points in the fourth quarter.
Mater Dei (31-2) had double-digit scoring games from
Bol Bol (15 points)
Justice Sueing (11) and
Spencer Freedman (10).
Tied at 51, Bishop Montgomery scored 11 straight on two buckets and a free throw from Thompson and three pointers by Schakel and
Gianni Hunt. That essentially decided it.
Despite being ranked in the Top 10 nationally, the two teams were underdogs in semifinal games against
Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth) and
Chino Hills, respectfully.
Instead the Knights and Monarchs prevailed, setting up Saturday's much-anticipated final.
Mater Dei entered Saturday ranked second nationally by MaxPreps and Bishop Montgomery No. 7.
Both teams, along with No. 8 Sierra Canyon and No. 9 Chino Hills will all enter the CIF Southern California Open Division regional, which will be announced Sunday.
Bishop Montgomery poses for a team photo following their victory over Mater Dei in the Open Division championship game Saturday night at the Honda Center.
Photos by Louis Lopez
Bishop Montgomery guard Ethan Thompson drives to the basket against Bol Bol.
Mater Dei's Bol Bol takes a jumper during the first half.
Ethan Thompson celebrates by sharing the championship plaque with Bishop Montgomery fans.
