Coach John Streett wanted a defensive-minded man-to-man approach out of his Trinity Prep boys basketball team Monday night. And that’s just what the Crusaders delivered — denying the ball, filling the passing lanes, forcing turnovers and playing with great intensity.

Trinity jumped out in front 13-0 and went on to beat Santa Rosa Christian in a nonleague game at the First Baptist Church gym, 71-26, as Dan Cravalho scored a career-high 26 points. The junior guard made three 3-point baskets and had seven assists and three steals in a very good all-around game.

“It’s very pleasing to see him mature, to play with confidence, and step up and feel like he can just pull the trigger,” said Streett, who has the Crusaders (5-2 overall) on a three-game winning streak.

The win was Trinity Prep’s third this year over Santa Rosa Christian. The Crusaders beat SRC, 65-26, to take third place in the Gene Duffy Tournament in Calistoga. They also beat the Lions back on Dec. 1, 57-20.

The play of the defense was pleasing to Streett.

“It took them a while to get in gear, but they started to pick up their intensity on defense, making some things happen,” said Streett, who went to a triangle and two near the end of the third quarter and zone for the fourth period.

Trinity had a 24-point second quarter and scored 18 points in the third period.

“Defense is work,” said Streett. “You’ve got to concentrate. You have to hit the gas pedal right from the tip off and go hard to set the tone for the game.

“Where I can, I like to play man. Circumstances dictate that sometimes you’ve got to get in the zone.”

Dan Streett scored 20 points to go along with eight assists, eight steals and a 3-point basket. Phil Maxson, a first-year player, had nine rebounds and four steals. Sean Ryan had 10 points. Peter Kersting had eight points, a career best, and five rebounds. Anthony Kersting had five points.

“One of the things I like about man is that it enables the two Dans to do a little bit more as guards, to create some offense by picking off passes and stuff like that,” said John Streett, who has seven players on the team.

Trinity led 39-10 at halftime and 57-18 after the third quarter. A running clock was used once the Crusaders had a 40-point lead.

“We always have room to improve, but overall it was pretty good,” said Dan Streett. “We started off a little slow, but we came back and I think we played well. I think we did pretty well for ourselves.

“Our defense was pretty good. We’re really young, so we still have a lot to learn.”

Dan Streett, one of the top scorers in the Napa Valley, said he tries to get everyone involved from his guard position.

“I try to get the guys rolling, because we’ll need each and every one of them,” he said.

Santa Rosa Christian was led by Kenny Fontaine with 14 points.