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McKnight honored, then ejected, but Mater Dei wins big
The coach isn't around to see the Monarchs' second-half surge to beat Santa Margarita, 97-52.
SANTA ANA - Mater Dei coach Gary McKnight was recognized Friday night for breaking the California record for career victories during a 10-minute pregame ceremony.
His stint on the sideline during his team's 97-52 Trinity League victory over Santa Margarita lasted just slightly longer.
With 1:23 remaining before halftime, McKnight was ejected after earning his second technical foul. The ejection seemed to energize the Monarchs (17-1, 4-0), who exploded for 33 third-quarter points.
"I thought the opposite crowd didn't stand up to congratulate my coach and then with the refs kicking him out it was important in the second half that we come and out and destroy them," Mater Dei forward Keala King said.
King led the Monarchs with 23 points and 11 rebounds. Gary Franklin and Tyler Lamb had 20 each.
The third quarter was keyed by King and Franklin, who combined for 15 points.
Santa Margarita's Brandon Blanchard scored a team-high 18 points and grabbed nine rebounds, but the Eagles (10-9, 2-2) were undone by 26 turnovers.
Franklin attributed Santa Margarita's mistakes to the Mater Dei's defense.
"We have to have a lot of pressure up front by our guards," Franklin said. "That creates a lot of offensive opportunities for us."
Before the game Tony Dorado, Nike's National Manager of boys basketball, presented McKnight with a framed Mater Dei jersey commemorating his 844th coaching victory.
