PHOTOS: Mater Dei basketball coach Gary McKnight has home court named in his honor

Mater Dei Coach Gary McKnight acknowledges fans applause Saturday at the Nike Extravaganza. (Photos courtesy John Luciano, Crean Lutheran Shutterbugs).

Legendary Mater Dei High School boys basketball coach Gary McKnight had another honor bestowed on him Saturday night before the Mater Dei vs. Crean Lutheran game at the Nike Extravaganza.

To see the slide show, click on the first photo:

Crean Lutheran players exchange handshakes with Coach Gary McKnight and his players after the game.

Coach Gary McKnight's accomplishments were acknowledged during a pre-game ceremony.

It's now the Gary McKnight Court.
PHOTO: Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone

Mater Dei Coach Gary McKnight and his assistants communicate with players during a timeout.

Coach Gary McKnight after the game Saturday.
PHOTO: Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone

McKnight, who is No. 2 in all-time wins nationally among high school coaches, had the court at the Meruelo Athletic Center named after him.

It is now called the Gary McKnight Court, as designated in front of the Monarchs bench.

Mater Dei President Michael Brennan praised the contributions of McKnight, during his 43 years as coach. Assistant coaches also told fans how much he means to the program.

“It was a beautiful honor, our president pushed for that and I was very flattered,” McKnight said in an interview after the game. “But there are a lot of people who put in a lot of hard work in, not just me, my assistants and the kids I’ve had. It was a nice honor for a lot of people.”

McKnight indicted he’s still enjoying coaching. His Mater Dei team has won five games in a row, including Saturday’s 71-60 victory over Crean Lutheran and is tied for the Trinity League lead with St. John Bosco.

“I’m having fun, I’ll try and do it as long as I can, as long as I stay healthy,” he said.

—Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com