Down goes Mater Dei.

Damien High School may have come into Santa Ana as the underdogs in their first-round matchup against the No. 3-seeded Monarchs, but they came out on top 55-51.

Senior guard Malik Thomas and junior guard RJ Smith led the Spartans. Thomas posted 18 points, including two clutch free throws to seal the game, and Smith led the team with 21 points.

What You Need To Know

  • Damien beats Mater Dei 55-51 in the first round of CIF Open Division Pool Play

  • Malik Thomas and RJ Smith combine for 39 points

  • Harrison Hornery led all scorers with 24 points

  • Senior guard Malik Thomas and junior guard RJ Smith led the Spartans

Mater Dei got off to a strong start, even without senior center Wilhelm Bridenbach who sat out of game one with a knee injury. The Monarchs led by as much as 15 in the second quarter, but Damien’s scrappy play kept them in the game.

Senior forward Harrison Hornery led all scorers with 24 points, but his play was not enough to carry the Monarchs through.

Next up, Damien will take on Centennial, while Mater Dei will be back at home against Harvard Westlake. Two games are remaining in pool play before the CIF finals tip-off on June 11.