Josh Amick
ASU Student Journalist

Windward defeats Saint Mary's to capture Section 7's Legacy Foundation Bracket

June 25, 2023 by Josh Amick, Arizona State University


The Saint Mary’s Knights faced the Los Angeles Windward Wildcats Sunday in the championship game of the Section 7 Legacy Foundation Bracket.

After a close first half, the Wildcats pulled away in the third quarter to take a 25-point lead and won 90-69 at State Farm Stadium.

“I just think our legs kind of gave out in the third after playing three tough games before this,” said Knights guard Styles Phipps. “We gave it our all, but I think we were just tired, and they hit some tough shots.”

After the first half, the Wildcats led 49-40 and opened the third quarter with a 13-0 run before a Phipps layup.

The Wildcats 3-point shooting was red-hot, as they finished with 17 treys.

“The parents of the Wildcats were talking to my wife saying, ‘We never shoot the ball like this,’” said Damin Lopez, Knight’s head coach. “To hit 17 threes, that’s a hell of a day for them, and you just have to tip your cap and applaud them.”

Phipps (game-high 29 points) and forward Caspian Jones (16 points) were the only Knights in double figures. The Wildcats had a more balanced attack, with five different players in double digits.

“We have a good young group and this tournament was a learning experience,” Lopez said. “We are excited to get into the school year, and I wouldn’t trade my guys for anything.”