Support our high school sports coverage by becoming a digital subscriber. Subscribe now

A second standout player on Mater Dei’s girls basketball team watched from the sideline Tuesday night in an ankle boot as the Monarchs played at improving Rosary.

Sophomore sharp-shooter Kaeli Wynn joined Addison Deal on the out-of-action list with an ankle injury.

Newspaper Ads Canyon Crest CA

“I thought we could lose,” Mater Dei coach Kevin Kiernan said. “We’re used to playing without Addie a little bit. We’re not used to playing without Addie and Kaeli, and Jenessa (Cotton) got into foul trouble.”

But the Monarchs’ defensive pressure and freshmen trio helped Orange County’s No. 1-ranked team adjust one more time and stay undefeated in the Trinity League.

The Duke-bound Cotton and Kiernan’s daughter Devyn each scored 16 points and freshman Chasity Rice added 11 points in her first start as Mater Dei pulled away for a 70-55 victory at No. 6 Rosary.

The Monarchs (15-5, 3-0) led 28-25 at halftime but seized control in the second half. They continued to guard high-scoring Allison Clarke the length of the court and rotated defenses and personnel at the Loyola Marymount committed senior.

Freshmen Stella Hoss and Harmony Golightly combined for 13 points to help Mater Dei’s bench outscore Rosary’s reserves 13-5.

“Our freshmen stepped up and we were able to extend our defense and tired them out a little bit,” Kevin Kiernan said. “Can’t stop Allison but I thought we made her work.”

Clarke, Orange County’s leading scorer, had 10 points in the first period and finished with 19. She entered averaging a county-best 30.4.

Rice said she requested to guard Clarke. She picked up the All-County guard early and often, and received help from Devyn Kiernan and Amaya Williams (eight points, seven rebounds, three steals, three assists).

“I knew I had to step up today. I knew I had to play a bigger part,” said Rice, who had three assists and two steals. “(Clarke) went off today but we kind of stopped her in areas where she got tough shots.”

“We all played our parts today,” she added. “I’m proud of us.”

Devyn Kiernan made 5 of 6 shots from the floor in the third period en route to a career-high 16 points. She scored the first two baskets of the second half off passes from Rice, including a no-look dish under the basket.

“She’s pretty swaggy on the court,” Devyn Kiernan said of Rice. “We can play with hurt people (out). Even though we don’t want them out, we’re able to do it.

“We have each other’s back,” the junior guard added. “We have good morale even when one of our biggest players goes down. We realize we have to step up.”

Senior guard Kayla Borgelt of Rosary (14-4, 1-1) scored a game-high 22 points, including six 3-pointers.

Royals coach Rich Yoon said his team’s inexperience showed in the second half. The Royals start two freshmen and played a few more off the bench.

“You got to give it to Mater Dei,” Yoon said. “Their pressure defense wears down on you at some point and (Clarke and Borgelt) can’t do that (scoring) all night long. … We needed more than that. Kids needed to step up and hit open shots, and we just didn’t.”

Mater Dei departs on Wednesday morning for the Hoophall Classic in Massachusetts on Friday. The Monarchs play Morris Catholic of New Jersey.

Rosary plays at Orange Lutheran on Thursday.

In the Wave League:

Huntington Beach 41, Laguna Beach 39:  Freshman Emma Miyai scored 19 points for the visiting Oilers as coach Russ McClurg notched his 500th career victory.

In the San Joaquin League:

Fairmont Prep 61, Pacifica Christian 54: Adyra Rajan had 30 points and 10 rebounds to lead the visiting Huskies (17-4, 1-0) in their league opener. Caylie Villagrana scored 16 points for the Tritons.

In the Freeway League:

Buena Park 57, Sonora 36: Gloria Barrera scored 19 points to pace the host Coyotes (11-7, 2-0).

In nonleague:

Esperanza 62, Canyon 50: Justine Prajitno scored 17 points in the loss for the host Comanches. Esperanza led 19-5 after the opening period.