Four Key Questions: Mater Dei vs. Santa Margarita

<p>Rancho Santa Margarita — Wednesday's Trinity League match-up between Mater Dei and Santa Margarita went as expected with the Monarchs cruising to a 66-50 victory over the Eagles. Santa Margarita had a number of things working against it heading into the contest, most notably the size advantage the Monarchs held and the fact that Eagles' starting guard Kaine Roberts was sidelined due to concussion protocol. Santa Margarita held tough for three quarters, but the Monarchs made a strong fourth quarter surge to close out the win. Below are five key questions to emerge from the game.</p> <p><strong>Where does Mater Dei fit in to the Open Division field?</strong></p> <p>Based on current records and results, which are obviously subject to change, the Monarchs likely check in at No. 5 behind Sierra Canyon, Rancho Christian, Corona Centennial and Etiwanda. A loss in Trinity League play to St. John Bosco or JSerra could set Mater Dei back further, but the Monarchs are definitely bound for the eight team Open Division field.</p> <p><strong>Which teams would give Mater Dei trouble in the Open?</strong></p> <p>We've seen every team up for Open consideration at length this season and any of the four teams mentioned above match-up well with the Monarchs. Sierra Canyon can match Mater Dei's size and length while also one-upping them athletically, as can Rancho Christian. Etiwanda would give the Monarchs fits on the defensive end because of its versatility and ability to switch everything. Centennial's pressure would give Mater Dei's secondary ball-handlers some trouble and their speed and shooting offensively are tough to cover.</p> <p><strong>Is Santa Margarita on the right track under new leadership?</strong></p> <p>Based on the couple of games we've seen, first year coach Justin Bell is doing a great job with the roster he has. He's allowing high IQ point guard Jake Blazona to run the show which means everybody is getting to touch the ball. The Eagles are running a lot of ball-screen offense which is a smart play at the high school level when you have the right personnel. The most promising aspect of this Santa Margarita team is the fact that they move the ball so well offensively. The ball rarely sticks in someones hands for too long and there are few instances of selfish isolation play.</p> <p><strong>Where does Mater Dei go on the guard front for next season?</strong></p> <p>The Monarchs will face a tough task in replacing its backcourt next season. <strong>Devin Askew</strong> is reclassifying to the 2020 class and heading to Kentucky, while seniors <strong>Aidan Prukop</strong> and <strong>Ryan Evans</strong> will be up north at Cal Poly SLO. Looking at Mater Dei's current roster, other than freshman <strong>Justin Daniels</strong>, there aren't any players who jump off the page as potential starters next season. Being around the SoCal high school scene for as long as we have, the Monarchs will be looking to reload swiftly in the offseason.</p>