By Sean Savage
@SeanSav13
Over on the West Coast, the Mater Dei Monarchs girls basketball team has seen much success in recent years.
Much of the team’s dominance is accredited to the dazzling six-foot guard, Addison Deal.
When Deal has the ball, she is a crafty shot creator and lethal from downtown. Her height also allows her to slash her way to the rim.
While on the court, Deal always connects with her teammates, repeatedly helping the Monarchs make the right play.
However, her presence is just as prevalent on the other end of the floor. She uses her length and wingspan to interrupt passing lanes and force turnovers when playing in a zone.
Last season, she decimated her competition as a sophomore, averaging a team-high 15 points alongside 5.3 rebounds and 2.7 steals.
Additionally, through her sophomore year, Deal eclipsed the 1,000 career point milestone — a testament to prolific talent, especially early in her high school career.
Over the summer, her efforts continued to shine. Deal was a part of the U17 Cal Stars EYBL team, where she blazed her way to a 52-7 record.
Entering this year as a junior, Deal ranks No. 1 in California and No. 12 in the class of 2025, per ESPN.
Everything was looking bright.
That was until Dec. 21, when Deal suffered a grade three ankle sprain against Ontario Christian at the Nike Tournament of Champions in Arizona.
“We also found out that there are torn ligaments, too. So she [Deal] will be out for the year,” head coach Kevin Kiernan said. “She is a great player and kid and such a big part of what we do.
We are trying to adjust to life without her; we are getting there.”
Despite the injury, Kiernan has not lost any hope in his team.
In 15 years at Mater Dei, Coach Kiernan’s teams are 421-51. He also has over five coaching accolades himself. Notably, he was named USA Today National Coach of the Year in 2010.
“I love how they [the Monarchs] are competing and being thrown into the fire,” Kiernan said. “I admire their resilience.”
The Monarchs’ success granted them an invitation to the 2024 Hoophall classic, where they faced Morris Catholic High School on Jan. 12.
The Crusaders entered the matchup with a crisp 11-0 start on the season, and are no stranger to the competition.
Last year, Crusader guard Mia Pauldo had a game-high 21 points in Morris Catholic’s 54-44 loss against St. Paul VI Catholic High School.
This year, the story was no different for Mia. Through the first half, she had 25 of 40 points for the Crusaders, and they led by 14.
Throughout the game, the absence of Deal was felt.
“Not having her [Deal] today really hurt us,” Kiernan said. “She is a big part of our press.”
The game closed in a 64-48 loss for the Monarchs, while Mia poured in 30 points. Her twin, Mya, added 17 points to the board.
While Deal might not be shining on the court, her future has not faded.
“I have no doubt Addie will come back stronger. She loves this stuff,” Kiernan said. “Everything with basketball: The training, travel, club and high school stuff, I am sure she will be good.”
Deal currently has 26 Division I offers and another year to demonstrate her dominance.
“Addie has a very bright future,” Kiernan said. “Over the next seven months, her life is going to change.”
Photo Courtesy of Nick Storlazzi/The Student