The St. Monica boys basketball team began its season by easily winning three games, then lost in the championship game of the St. Monica Tournament Thursday night.
St. Monica defeated Environmental Charter of Hawthorne, 87-45, Lennox Academy, 71-30 and Whitney, 63-41 before losing to Bellarmine-Jefferson of Burbank, 80-57.
Coach Tony Depa expects to have another competitive team this season, and early indications are the Mariners will be a factor once league games begin.
Senior guard Ryan Featherston is the leading scorer so far with nearly 17 points per game.
Other key players are forward Richard Gibson, guard Ryan Capiro and guard DannyWhite, an all-league defensive back in football.
Depa says he expects the team to show improvement as it plays stronger competition.
The tournament annually launches the high school basketball season on the Westside.
Santa Monica High will begin play in the Redondo Tournament.
