Serra tops Mitty for section title

McMahon and Ochoa supplied much of the muscle behind their team's tough victory, putting up 22 and 20 points respectively.

The first quarter opened with McMahon scoring in the early moments of play. He and Ochoa would share the spoils during the opening eight minutes, splitting their team's 12 points between them. Ochoa would get the last two, making a daring inside drive with eight seconds left in which he was able to put the ball in even as he fell amongst a pile of players.

Mitty, not to be outdone, pulled out their own play book which proved to be similar to Serra's. A strong press, two 3-pointers and some solid passing would bring them even with the Padres as the buzzer sounded.

Rolling into the second, both teams continued their quick attacks and strong zone defenses. Junior Chaz Thomas was the first to score for Serra, sinking a 3-pointer as the shot clock counted down to zero. Thomas would finish with 11.

The Monarchs, utilizing the speed of some of their players such as Martin Wan and Luke Eala, contained Serra somewhat by making steals on several occasions and converting them into baskets. By the half, Mitty had managed to open a small 23-21 lead.

When Mitty got the ball at the beginning of the third, they started to make things happen against the Padres. As they continued to try and hold Serra at bay by blocking shots and tightening their press, the Monarchs surged ahead, racking up 18 points and opening a four-point lead.

Ochoa, trying to help his team rally and keep Mitty close, began tossing in 3-pointers like they were nothing. His biggest shot came at the third-quarter buzzer as he tossed a hail Mary-style shot from midcourt, sinking the shot and sending everyone into thunderous applause.

"That shot felt really good," said Ochoa. "They weren't up by that much after that."

Going into the final eight minutes, it was time for McMahon to shine. The 6-6 forward pulled out all the stops as he went on a scoring rampage. After sinking a 3-pointer 21 seconds in, he made a steal and raced down court with defenders in pursuit. Leaping into the air, he slammed it home and then lingered on the edge of the net for a few seconds before landing back on the court.

McMahon would sink another 3-pointer afterward followed by a 2-point basket, giving himself a total of 10 points for the quarter and, more importantly, helping to put his team on top to stay.

"To be down and come back shows our team's character," said McMahon. "I did what I could to help the team by knocking out some shots."

McMahon added he had great respect for Mitty, which Serra has now beaten in all three of their matchups this season.

Serra head coach Chuck Rapp, holding one of his team's awards after the match, had nothing but the highest respect for his players.

"I'm real proud of their effort," said Rapp. "They stepped up and got it accomplished."

Rapp said that part of his team's strategy was to neutralize West Catholic Athletic League MVP Paul Phangureh, who had scored approximately 50 points against the Padres during their first two matchups. By utilizing a rotation of guards and trying to box him in, Serra held Phangureh to just eight points.

Serra now moves on to the NorCal tournament next week, which pits the top teams from around the northern half of California against one another to determine who will play in the state final.