Mater Dei girls basketball cools off Santa Margarita in Trinity League duel

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SANTA ANA — Mater Dei’s girls basketball team might be inexperienced and youthful at spots but it’s beginning to blossom right on schedule.

With a blend of emerging veterans and energetic freshmen, the Monarchs used their full-court press and balanced scoring to cool off visiting Santa Margarita 81-50 on Tuesday in a Trinity League matchup.

The Monarchs extended their winning streak to a season-high nine games.

Ranked third in Orange County, Mater Dei (18-4, 2-0) opened the first quarter with a 10-0 run and raced away from the No. 4 Eagles (15-7, 1-1), who beat JSerra 47-43 last week when the Lions were No. 1 in the rankings.

In a testament to its chemistry, every Mater Dei starter sank at least one 3-pointer.

Freshmen Nelly Strong and Legend Tyler made sure the Monarchs bench contributed to a long-range attack that tallied 10 3-pointers.

It was an impressive display for a team that returns one starter from last season and lost South Carolina signee Kaeli Wynn to season-ending knee surgery.

“We’re growing up,” Monarchs coach Jody Wynn said. “We got a new roster where kids are learning systems and learning how to play on both sides of the ball and to play hard.”

“It takes time,” the coach added. “We talk about February flourish. We want to flourish in February. That’s when the playoffs start.”

Harmony Golightly, one of Mater Dei’s growing leaders, paced the offense with 20 points.

Mater Dei senior Rachel Goran had a 3-pointer and two steals while Amiah Lewis connected from beyond the arc and added a team-high three assists.

“Rachel Goran, the unsung hero. She’s just going to be the reliable kid,” Wynn said. “Amiah Lewis, she didn’t play last year hardly because of Addie (Deal), Devyn (Kiernan) and Amaya (Williams). Our guards were incredible, seniors who were so seasoned.”

Wynn again brought Strong and Tyler off the bench together and they helped push Mater Dei’s lead to 22-9 at the end the first quarter.

Tyler capped the opening frame by dribbling the length of the court for a layup and converting a 3-pointer off a steal from the press.

Strong completed a 3-point play off the press in the second quarter to push the lead to 36-16 with 2:37 left in the half.

Strong scored 10 of her 13 points in the fourth, including two 3-pointers. Tyler finished with 11.

“I just like the energy they bring together,” Wynn said of the duo.

Elle Palmer scored a game-high 21 points, including five 3-pointers, to pace Santa Margarita.

The sophomore connected from beyond the arc in each period. No other player reached double figures for the Eagles.

“Unfortunately, we didn’t show up,” said Santa Margarita coach Seyram Bell, who stressed consistency to her players afterward. “The things that have been working for us, we didn’t bring it tonight.”

“They were just very aggressive and attacking,” the coach added. “We were always on our heels.”

In another result Tuesday, No. 10 Orange Lutheran knocked off No. 2 JSerra 65-58 to even its record in league at 1-1.

Mater Dei travels to JSerra on Thursday while Santa Margarita plays host to Orange Lutheran.