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Mater Dei’s Kaeli Wynn made a valiant return in CIF SoCal basketball regional

March 11, 2025

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RANCHO CUCAMONGA — Mater Dei’s girls basketball team saved a major surprise for its clash against two-time defending state champion Etiwanda in the semifinals of the CIF Southern California Regional.

High-scoring Kaeli Wynn returned Saturday from a dislocated knee that was said to be a season-ending injury.

The junior forward wore a leg sleeve and scored seven points off the bench, including two 3-pointers, in a 67-57 loss in the Open Division semifinals at Etiwanda High.

Wynn also had seven rebounds, two assists and one block in her first game in about six weeks.

“She said the only reason why she played is because she wants to help the team win a state championship,” said Mater Dei coach Jody Wynn, who is Kael’s mother. “She was just going to try to do what she could (to help). It’s not (about) one person. It’s a whole team thing.”

“(If you have) mind over matter and are physically able to get yourself ready to get out on the court and fight for your teammates,” the coach added, “I can’t deny (you). … That’s a winner.”

Wynn said her daughter went through limited practices on Thursday and Friday after the Monarchs defeated Bishop Montgomery 76-40 in the first round on March 5.

Following the first round game, the coach said her daughter was “out indefinitely” due to the injury, which occurred on Jan. 25 against Rancho Christian.

Etiwanda senior guard Aliyahna “Puff” Morris said her team was “a little bit” surprised by Wynn’s return but remained confident it could reach a fourth straight Open regional final and fifth consecutive overall.

“I think we should be able to execute (against) whoever is playing,” said Morris, who scored a game-high 32 points.

Mater Dei chased Etiwanda most of the game.

The Monarchs led once at 23-22 after a basket in the post by UC Ivine-bound Nohe’alani Stores late in the first half.

Mater Dei trailed by as many as 12 points in the third quarter and got as close as six early in the fourth.

Iowa-bound point guard Addison Deal led the Monarchs with 29 points, eight rebounds, six assists and two steals.

Stores exited after a collision in the middle of the second period but returned to finish with 11 points. No other Mater Dei player reached doubled figures.

Mater Dei finished the season 29-4 with three of the losses to Open Division regional finalists Etiwanda (twice) and Ontario Christian.

“I’m super proud and grateful to have coached a group of young ladies that represent themselves with class on and off the basketball court,” said Wynn, who finished her first season as the coach. “I think we’ve succeeded together. I think we’ve overcome adversity together.”

Orange County Register

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Mater Dei’s Kaeli Wynn made a valiant return in CIF SoCal basketball regional

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