Boys’ basketball: Mercy rule could be needed for Mater Dei games

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Mater Dei avoided using the mercy rule Monday night in its opener against Loara when both coaches apparently agreed not to invoke it with the Monarchs ahead, 85-33, after three quarters. There’s one problem: They can’t do that.

It’s a national federation rule that once a team leads by 40 or more points in the fourth quarter, a running clock has to be used. And that’s going to be the problem for Mater Dei games this season.

Thom Simmons, Southern Section spokesman, said Tuesday that Assistant Commissioner Rainer Wulf, who’s in charge of basketball, will be contacting both coaches and the officials’ association to advise them that they can’t suddenly ignore the mercy rule.

Yes, it means Mater Dei’s subs could have a difficult time getting playing time in the fourth quarter this season. Mater Dei won the game, 103-45.

-- Eric Sondheimer