Before the second round CIF playoff game last night at Jordan High, the home crowd paid tribute to head coach Ron Massey for getting his 500th victory this season. Classic Massey, he gave a simple wave and an understated thank you. Four quarters later after his Panthers were handed a lopsided loss, he was still classic Massey.
Asked if this Mater Dei team is one of the best high school basketball teams he’s ever seen, the veteran head coach shook his head slowly and spoke softly, “oh yeah, definitely.”
The Monarchs proved it with a 103-77 victory over the Panthers after Jordan was within six points at the beginning of the third quarter. Tyler Lamb led his team to victory with a game-high 25 points and fellow senior Keala King added 22 for Mater Dei.
The Monarchs shot the lights out and made 16 three pointers as they outscored the Panthers 52-33 after Jordan pulled within six after the half. Guard Jesse Jones led Jordan with 18 points and center Darius Williams had the double-double with 13 points and 16 rebounds.