
Mater Dei
Program Scout Report
Overview
Mater Dei stands as one of California's premier prep basketball programs, having achieved both national and state championship success. The program has established itself as a consistent powerhouse in independent competition, attracting top-tier talent and maintaining elite standards of excellence.
Coaching Staff
Gary Franklin leads the program with a championship pedigree, having guided Mater Dei to both national and state titles. His leadership has established the program's reputation for developing elite talent while maintaining a winning culture that attracts premier recruits from across the region.
Player Development
The program has demonstrated its ability to develop high-level prospects, with current standout Luke Barnett ranked #124 nationally in the 2026 class. Mater Dei's track record of championship success indicates a strong pipeline for preparing players for the next level, though specific college placement data requires further tracking.
Culture & Academics
As an independent program, Mater Dei operates with flexibility in scheduling and recruiting while maintaining high academic and athletic standards. The school environment emphasizes excellence both on and off the court, supporting student-athletes in their dual pursuits.
Recruiting Outlook
With Luke Barnett anchoring the 2026 class as a nationally-ranked prospect, the program shows strong momentum in attracting elite talent. Franklin's championship experience and the program's established reputation position Mater Dei well for continued success in landing top recruits. The independent status allows for strategic scheduling and development opportunities that enhance the program's appeal to high-level prospects.
Analysis by PrepRadar Scouting Team
Coaching Staff

Gary Franklin
Head Coach
Achievements & Facilities
Notable Achievements
- • National Champions
- • State Champions
Roster
Class of 2026
Aiden Lopez
Committed: South Carolina
Tieghan Cunningham
Tim Wurmlinger
Trey Price
Weston Van Niekerk
Leo Tordera
Will Price
Noah Brennan
Cruz Putnam
Bryan Burns
Committed: Oklahoma
Tom Mauser
Ayden Quinn
2 offers
Andy Peng
Committed: Pacific
Evan Harnett
Luca Imperiale
Makai Thomas
Joel Almazan
John Hertzberg
Malloy Smith
Noah Condon
Zain Majeed
Orlando Castano
Brandon Cortez
1 offer
Luke Barnett
📍 Santa Ana
Committed: Kansas
