News from Mater Dei: Stanley Johnson to start at point guard

Santa Ana Mater Dei Coach Gary McKnight insists he’s not joking when he says that Stanley Johnson “is my starting point guard.�

Yes, the 6-foot-7 Stanley Johnson with recruiting offers from Kentucky, USC, Oregon, Arizona and Florida.

The Stanley Johnson who has led Mater Dei to three consecutive state titles primarily playing the forward position.

Johnson also dribbles the ball well and can shoot, and McKnight has so many tall players Johnson will get to play some point guard.

There’s 6-6 junior guard Rex Pflueger, a transfer from JSerra who has offers from most of the Pac-12 and is being wooed hard by Stanford.

There’s sophomore M.J. Cage, who’s 6-9 and picked up a scholarship offer from Kentucky.

There’s 6-6 Mario Soto, who’s finally healthy.

And there’s 6-11 sophomore Jayce Johnson, who McKnight predicts “will lead Orange County in rebounding.�

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