Stanley Johnson and Mater Dei win another state title

SACRAMENTO — It was only fitting that in Stanley Johnson’s final game as a Mater Dei Monarch, he got to show off his skills in an NBA arena, because that’s where he figures to be hanging out in a few years.

On Saturday night, he became the first player in California history to win four upper-division state championships, scoring 25 points and contributing eight assists in Santa Ana Mater Dei’s 71-61 victory over Oakland Bishop O’Dowd in the Open Division final at Sleep Train Arena.

“They’ll be talking about Stanley Johnson for years to come,� said Mater Dei Coach Gary McKnight, who won his 11th state title in 32 seasons.

Mater Dei finished 35-0 and became the second team in Monarch history to go unbeaten, joining the 1985 squad.

“I love this team,� McKnight said.

The season began with two likely starters deciding to transfer, forcing backups Isaiah Juarez and La’Vette Parker into starting roles. Each responded to the challenge, joining Johnson, 6-foot-10 sophomore M.J. Cage and junior guard Rex Pflueger in passing every test, including two overtime games during the playoffs.

Against Bishop O’Dowd (28-5), a zone defense helped neutralize 6-10 Ivan Rabb, who finished with 10 points and 16 rebounds.

Mater Dei led, 28-21, at halftime and was never threatened afterward. Cage, expected to become the next big-time Monarch star, had 16 points, eight rebounds and two blocks.

Paris Austin led the Dragons with 23 points.

The 6-7 Johnson, who has signed to play at Arizona, has had a memorable four-year run. As a freshman, he played on a team that defeated Concord De La Salle, 43-36, in the Division I final. As a sophomore, the Monarchs defeated Sacramento Sheldon, 66-48. Last season, it was a 50-45 Open Division victory over San Jose Mitty and Aaron Gordon.

Now he could be the replacement for Gordon at Arizona if Gordon decides to enter the NBA draft.

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