Day 4: Tournament Championships!
Here we go with Day 4.
Game 1: Campbell Hall 71 vs. San Luis Obispo 60
The dynamic duo of Holiday (#11, pictured below) and Huff combined for 59 of the Vikings’ points in their battle against local product San Luis Obispo. Gritty guard Matt Moore had 14 points for the Tigers who were up after the 1st quarter but couldn’t hold off the potent offensive attack of Campbell Hall.
Photo Courtesy of Sukoski Photography. All tournament photos are available for purchase in the Main Lobby.
Game 2: Dillard 51 vs. Washington Prep 40
Terrance Smith (#44, pictured below), once again, was the leading scorer for Dillard 14 points as the Panthers sped away from the Generals after a fairly even 1st quarter. Ralph Harvey Jr. led all scorers with 15 points for Washington Prep who finishes the tournament with four losses in four very competitive games.
Photo Courtesy of Sukoski Photography. All tournament photos are available for purchase in the Main Lobby.
Game 3: Miramonte 53 vs. Bretnwood 52
In this consolation thriller, the Matadors were down by 10 points entering the 4th quarter but clawed their way all the way back in this one. Sophomore wing Joey Goodreault (#24, pictured below), 15 points, drilled a transition 15-footer along the baseline with 2.7 seconds left to put Miramonte ahead for good. Forward Kiran Shastri added 13 points (10-10 from the charity stripe) for the Matadors. Brentwood’s junior post player Leland King scored 20+ points for the 4th consecutive game at this year’s tournament, finishing with 24 today. The Eagles appeared to have a commanding lead for the majority of this game, but they couldn’t quite put Miramonte away. Quality looks at the basket and some timely turnovers keyed the Matadors’ comeback.
Photo Courtesy of Sukoski Photography. All tournament photos are available for purchase in the Main Lobby.
Game 4: Righetti 58 vs. San Joaquin Memorial 56
Righetti had three scorers in double figures led by sweet-shooting two guard Hunter Walker (#23, pictured below) with 18 points. The Warriors packed their defense in against 7′ center Robert Upshaw and made enough shots down the stretch to claim this victory. SJM’s Upshaw still managed 21 big points along with several rebounds and blocks.
Photo Courtesy of Sukoski Photography. All tournament photos are available for purchase in the Main Lobby.
Game 5: JW North 68 vs. Santa Clara 39 (Elite 3rd Place Game)
JW North outmuscled Santa Clara from the tip in this one. Sophomore guard DeShawn Taylor (#23, pictured below) piled up 18 points while big men Dorian Butler and Aaron Peck contributed 12 points apiece. Santa Clara couldn’t quite match up with the physical, athletic squad from Riverside as their leading scorer, DeAndre Jones, was held to 7 points. JW North claims 3rd place in the Elite Division.
Photo Courtesy of Sukoski Photography. All tournament photos are available for purchase in the Main Lobby.
Game 6: Seattle Prep (WA) 53 vs. Desert Vista (AZ) 40 (National 3rd Place Game)
Post man Mitch Brewe (#21, pictured below) fought his way in the interior for 28 points and a handful of boards. Even thought star junior wing DJ Fenner did not play, Seattle Prep outplayed a very good Desert Vista squad. Multitalented forward Danny Powell had 15 points in defeat for the Thunder. Seattle Prep claims 3rd place in the National Division.
Photo Courtesy of Sukoski Photography. All tournament photos are available for purchase in the Main Lobby.
Game 7: Cypress Bay (FL) 66 vs. Mission Prep 45 (Elite Division Final)
Cypress Bay’s Ben Antoine, the Elite Division MVP, showed up big with 15 points and 11 rebounds. Lightning-quick guard Shea Jones added 14 points and 4 assists. For the host Royals, wing Connor Woolpert had a great shooting night totaling 18 points while forward Zach Allmon finished with 13 points and 6 rebounds. Mission Prep could never recover after Cypress Bay caught fire from the field in the 2nd quarter. Cypress Bay wins the Elite Division crown.
Photo Courtesy of Sukoski Photography. All tournament photos are available for purchase in the Main Lobby.
Game 8: Taft 58 vs. La Costa Canyon 52 (National Division Final)
LCC jumped out to a big 12-point halftime lead with a flurry of surprising fastbreak points. Taft ratcheted up the defensive intensity considerably in the 2nd half, closing up the halftime deficit in the blink of an eye. Quality free throw shooting down the stretch ensured Taft’s impressive comeback victory. The Mavericks’ super two guard Matt Shrigley battled against an incredibly athletic defense for 19 points while guard David Travers impressed with 13 points of his own. Forward Brandon Perry, the National Division MVP, was a beast inside for Taft with 16 points and 12 boards. Lanky swingman Anthony January led all scorers with 20 points tonight. He and Shrigley went head-to-head all night long.
Photo Courtesy of Sukoski Photography. All tournament photos are available for purchase in the Main Lobby.
Analysis to come tomorrow. Check back then.
-Ray
Day 3: Semifinal Games!
Let the 3rd day of MPCC play begin.
Game 1: San Joaquin Memorial 40 vs. Dillard (FL) 37 (National Division Consolation)
SJM had the lead for the majority of this game, but Dillard refused to give in tying the game at 37 with under a minute left. Wing Royshown Snowden hit a game winning three for SJM as center Robert Upshaw and senior guard Kellen Hackett each had 9 points. Senior Forward Terrance Smith (#44, pictured below) continues to impress scoring 24 of Dillard’s 37 points in the loss.
Photo Courtesy of Sukoski Photography. All tournament photos are available for purchase in the Main Lobby.
Game 2: Brentwood 73 vs. San Luis Obispo 67 (Elite Division Consolation)
Leland King (#32, pictured below), 31 points, and Tra Holder, 18 points, put on a show early for Brentwood. Great shooting from Chandler Torres, 21 points, and Scott Inman, 15 points, kept SLO close throughout but the Eagles made just a few more plays down the stretch. San Luis drained 11 three pointers in the contest, including five from hot hand of Torres.
Photo Courtesy of Sukoski Photography. All tournament photos are available for purchase in the Main Lobby.
Game 3: Righetti 58 vs. Washington Prep 56 (National Division Consolation)
In this back and forth battle, Washington Prep held a small halftime lead over Righetti. But the Warriors exploded out of the locker room to not only take the lead but run away with a double digit advantage in the 4th quarter. Local talent Hunter Walker finished with 19 points to lead Righetti. Washington closed the gap in a hurry at the end of the game with a flurry of jumpers and some timely putbacks. After being recently cleared to play, wing Isaiah Hicks (#21, pictured below on defense) continues to improve as he piloted the Generals with 16 points in the loss.
Photo Courtesy of Sukoski Photography. All tournament photos are available for purchase in the Main Lobby.
Game 4: Miramonte 83 vs. Campbell Hall 63 (Elite Division Consolation)
Miramonte stayed poised in the this foul-ridden battle and pulled away in the second half. CH’s Aaron Holiday made a run at the Christmas Classic single game scoring record with 39 points but it was a decidedly inefficient day from the field. He and Cole Huff combined for 54 of the Vikings’ 63 points. Not to be outdone, the Matadors had three double digit scorers led by Kiran Shastri (#21, pictured below) who poured in 36 points of his own. Senior forward Ross Anderson had 18 points.
Photo Courtesy of Sukoski Photography. All tournament photos are available for purchase in the Main Lobby.
Game 5: Cypress Bay (FL) 48 vs. JW North 44 (Elite Division Semifinal)
Shea Jones (#1, pictured below) came to play in this one, totaling 21 points to help Cypress Bay hold off a hard charging JW North squad. Cypress Bay jumped out to an early lead behind some quality shooting and even better defense. JW North, led by sophomore guard DeShawn Taylor and his 13 points, came all the way back but couldn’t quite get over the hump against a gritty Florida team. Cypress Bay advances to the Elite Finals.
Photo Courtesy of Sukoski Photography. All tournament photos are available for purchase in the Main Lobby.
Game 6: Taft 54 vs. Seattle Prep (WA) 46
Lanky Taft forward Anthony January (#34, pictured below) played his first game of the season after being cleared to play for the Toreadors. He didn’t disappoint coming up with 12 big points and providing some interior size to counter Seattle Prep’s frontcourt strength. Toreador guard Kris Yanku piled up 23 points while wing DJ Fenner led the Panthers in defeat with 13 points. Taft advances to the National Finals.
Photo Courtesy of Sukoski Photography. All tournament photos are available for purchase in the Main Lobby.
Game 7: Mission Prep 65 vs. Santa Clara 56
Hometown star Zach Allmon (#23, pictured below) showed up big with 29 points and 23 rebounds. Point guard Andy Rowley also played well, adding 18 points of his own. Santa Clara spread the ball around on the offensive end and junior wing DeAndre Jones finished as the high scorer for them with 13 points. After being down 23-7 at the end of the first quarter, Santa Clara charged way back only to have Mission pull away once again in the latter part of the 2nd half. Mission Prep advances to the Elite Finals.
Photo Courtesy of Sukoski Photography. All tournament photos are available for purchase in the Main Lobby.
Game 8: La Costa Canyon 63 vs. Desert Vista (AZ) 52
Matt Shrigley (#40, pictured below) had another sizzling game piling up 27 points as the Mavericks pulled away from one of the top teams in Arizona. Jeff Lowery, 14 points, and Danny Powell, 22 points, both fought hard as DV was able to tie it up late after being down throughout. La Costa Canyon turned on the jets at the very end to distance themselves on the scoreboard. LCC advances to play Taft in the National Finals.
Photo Courtesy of Sukoski Photography. All tournament photos are available for purchase in the Main Lobby.
Day 2 Games: Bracket Play begins!
Game 1: Desert Vista (AZ) 73 vs Santa Clara 63
Forward Danny Powell (#4, pictured below), who has committed to Eastern Washington, led the way for the Thunder with 20 points as they put together an impressive offensive display. Powell outmuscled the undersized Santa Clara post players inside while guard Jeff Lowery (10 points) controlled the tempo from his point guard spot. DeAndre Jones put 16 points in defeat for Santa Clara. This was the last challenge game before bracket play starts.
Photo Courtesy of Sukoski Photography. All tournament photos are available for purchase in the Main Lobby.
Game 2: Cypress Bay 54 vs. San Luis Obispo 36 (Elite Division)
Junior forward Ben Antoine led all scorers with 14 points and senior guard Matt Edenburg had 12 points of his own. This game was very tight early on but the SLO went cold from the floor and fell behind late. Scott Inman had 1o points for SLO High in the loss. Cypress Bay moves on to the Winner’s bracket while SLO High will be in the Consolation bracket.
Photo Courtesy of Sukoski Photography. All tournament photos are available for purchase in the Main Lobby.
Game 3: JW North 55 vs Brentwood 52 (Elite Division)
Brentwood big man Leland King (#32, pictured below) followed up his 20 point performance yesterday with 25 points in today’s outing. But, it wasn’t enough as JW North had three players in double figures, led by senior forward Aaron Peck who tallied 16 points. JW North moves on in the Winner’s bracket and will face Cypress Bay and Brentwood will match up with local team San Luis Obispo.
Photo Courtesy of Sukoski Photography. All tournament photos are available for purchase in the Main Lobby.
Game 4: Desert Vista (AZ) 61 vs. Washington Prep 57 (National Division)
In Desert Vista’s second game of the day, forward Danny Powell had 21 tough points for the Thunder. Senior guard Jeff Lowery added 15 points of his own. Washington Prep was up early in this one, but Desert Vista stormed back to take the lead only to have Washington Prep tie it up in the final minute. In our first overtime game of the tournament, the Thunder outscored the Generals 8-4 in the extra period to pull away. Isaish Hicks (#21, pictured below) had 22 points in defeat for Washington Prep. Desert Vista plays Monday in the Winner’s bracket while Washington Prep will play in the consolation bracket.
Photo Courtesy of Sukoski Photography. All tournament photos are available for purchase in the Main Lobby.
Game 5: Seattle Prep (WA) 48 vs. Dillard (FL) 40 (National Division)
In the most physical game of the tournament thus far, Seattle Prep pulled it out in the 4th quarter. Forward Terrance Smith was the high scorer for Dillard with 21 points. With Staphon Blair in serious foul trouble throughout, Seattle Prep took advantage on the interior. USCB-commit Mitch Brewe tallied 11 points while wing DJ Fenner (#15, pictured below) led Seattle Prep with 22 points. Seattle Prep will play in the winner’s bracket Monday while Dillard move on to the consolation side.
Photo Courtesy of Sukoski Photography. All tournament photos are available for purchase in the Main Lobby.
Game 6: Taft 52 vs. San Joaquin Memorial 44 (National Division)
Kris Yanku (#4, pictured below) went off with 25 points for Taft and fellow guard Steve Jones added 11 points of his own. Big man Robert Upshaw had 18 points for SJM, including a few thunderous dunks. But once again Taft’s team speed and defense was too much to overcome as the Toreadors downed SJM. Taft plays Seattle Prep (WA) Monday in the Winner’s bracket while SJM will face Dillard (FL).
Photo Courtesy of Sukoski Photography. All tournament photos are available for purchase in the Main Lobby.
Game 7: Campbell Hall 45 vs. Santa Clara 48 (Elite Division)
Freshman sensation Aaron Holiday had 4 fouls before halftime and did not play in the 3rd quarter. He still finished with 12 points in limited time before fouling out. Nevada-commit Cole Huff (#1, pictured below) carried Campbell Hall with 25 points in the loss. DeAndre Jones shouldered the scoring load with 16 points for Santa Clara who had contributions from up and down the lineup in this 4th quarter comeback victory. Santa Clara moves on in the winner’s bracket while Campbell Hall enters consolation play.
Photo Courtesy of Sukoski Photography. All tournament photos are available for purchase in the Main Lobby.
Game 8: Mission Prep 62 vs. Miramonte 42 (Elite Division)
Mission Prep came out firing on all cylinders on their home court as point guard Andy Rowley led the Royals with 18 points. Freshman Quinton Adlesh added 13 efficient points of his own, while dunk contest winner Zach Allmon followed with 12 points. In a losing effort, Miran Shastri poured in 23 points for the Matadors.
Game 9: La Costa Canyon 62 vs. Righetti 52 (National Division)
SDSU-commit Matt Shrigley looked impressive in putting up 17 points while guard David Travers added 10 points for the Mavericks. Righetti star Hunter Walker was also superb while totaling 21 points as he battled with Shrigley all game long. La Costa Canyon will face Desert Vista while Righetti plays Washington Prep next.
Day 1 Games: Challenge Day
Here we go with Day 1 at the 2011 MPCC!
Game 1: Dillard (FL) 47 vs. JW North 33
Staphon Blair, committed to the University of Central Florida, led the way for Dillard with 16 points as the Panthers sprinted out to 24-9 halftime lead. Riverside-area school JW North kept pace in the 2nd half as DeShawn Taylor had 11 points, but they were never able to pull within reach. Senior forward Terrance Smith added 10 points for Dillard. JW North plays Brentwood at 12 pm tomorrow in the Elite Divsion bracket while Dillard plays Seattle Prep (WA) at 3 pm in the National Division bracket.
Game 2: La Costa Canyon 68 vs. Campbell Hall 51
SDSU-bound two guard Matt Shrigley (#40, pictured below) totaled 27 points for the Mavericks who ran away with a huge 2nd-quarter outscoring Campbell Hall by a score of 20-6. High-scoring freshman Aaron Holiday (younger brother of Justin and Jrue) and Nevada commit Cole Huff combined for 42 of the Vikings’ 51 points in the loss. Campbell Hall will play tomorrow at 6 pm against Santa Clara in the Elite Division bracket while La Costa Canyon will play vs local school Righetti High at 9:30 pm in the National Division bracket.
Photo Courtesy of Sukoski Photography. All tournament photos are available for purchase in the Main Lobby.
Game 3: Taft 57 vs. Cypress Bay 47
Taft forward Brandon Perry (#42, pictured below), committed to CSUN, led all scorers with 25 points as the defending National Division Champions held off a feisty Cypress Bay squad. The Toreadors jumped out a quick 1st quarter lead but the Lightning refused to give in. Senior guard Matt Edenburg had 9 of his 14 total points in the 2nd quarter as Cypress Bay pulled it the game to a 26-24 halftime deficit. Junior forward Ben Antoine had 15 of his 17 points in the 2nd half as the Lightning continued to trade buckets with Taft. However, the Toreadors’ team speed and defense helped them pull away in the end. The point guard battle was fun to watch as Taft’s Steve Jones and Cypress Bay’s Shea Jones went at it all game long.
Photo Courtesy of Sukoski Photography. All tournament photos are available for purchase in the Main Lobby.
Game 4: San Luis Obispo 58 vs. Washington Prep 52
After SLO High got out to an early 10-0 lead, Washington Prep picked up the pace considerably and pulled ahead as 11 different players scored for the Generals who had a 34-30 halftime advantage. The Tigers shot their way back into the game as Blake Shapazian had 13 points. Guard Matt Moore (#21, pictured below) put up 17 points including a fast break layup at the end and two free throws that iced it. Jihad Parker put up 14 points for Washington Prep in the loss. Washington Prep will play tomorrow at 1:30 pm vs. Desert Vista (AZ) in the National Division bracket while SLO High plays at 10:30 am vs. Cypress Bay (FL) in the Elite Division bracket.
Photo Courtesy of Sukoski Photography. All tournament photos are available for purchase in the Main Lobby.
Game 5: Righetti 59 vs. Miramonte 50
Hunter Walker (#23, pictured below) led four Righetti scorers in double figures with 16 points as the Warriors held off the Matadors. Junior forward Kiran Shastri had 20 points in defeat for Miramonte. Righetti will play tomorrow at 9:30 pm vs. La Costa Canyon in the National Division bracket while Miramonte will play host Mission Prep at 7:45 pm in Elite Division bracket.
Photo Courtesy of Sukoski Photography. All tournament photos are available for purchase in the Main Lobby.
Game 6: Brentwood 55 vs. CVC 41
Sophomore guard Tra Holder (#0, pictured below) put on a show for Brentwood. He totaled 22 points while junior forward Leland King added 20 of his own. Stanford-bound forward Grant VerHoeven was held 9 points in a losing effort for CVC. Brentwood plays tomorrow at 12 pm vs. JW North in the Elite Division bracket.
Photo Courtesy of Sukoski Photography. All tournament photos are available for purchase in the Main Lobby.
Game 7: San Joaquin Memorial 49 vs. Mission Prep 38
SJM pulled away late after being down at halftime behind a powerful second half from KSU-bound 7′ center Robert Upshaw (#30, pictured below). Connor Woolpert tallied 13 points for the host Royals in the loss. Upshaw and Royshown Snowden had 15 and 14 points respectively for the Panthers who outmuscled Mission Prep in the 4th quarter.
Photo Courtesy of Sukoski Photography. All tournament photos are available for purchase in the Main Lobby.
Mission Prep’s Zach Allmon took home the dunking crown, but professional dunker Myree Bowden stole the show. Check out Ballislife’s YouTube channel for highlights.
See you all tomorrow.
Welcome Back to the 2011 MP Christmas Classic!
Happy Holidays to everyone as Challenge Day at the Classic kicks off from beautiful San Luis Obispo, CA.
Please check out mpchristmasclassic.com for Official Tournament Schedule and Brackets.
All-Tourney Teams
National Division
Champion – Taft
MVP – F Sr. C.J. Blackwell (Taft )
1st Team:
G Sr. Spencer Dinwiddie (Taft)
G Sr. Askia Booker (Price)
G Sr. Michaelyn Scott (Washington)
G Sr. Chris Brown (Washington)
G Sr. Austin McBroom (Campbell Hall)
F Sr. Todd Lewis Jr. (Pasadena)
F Sr. Steven Adams (Pasadena)
F Jr. Skylar Spencer (Price)
*Special Note: Sylmar’s senior forward Alex Moreno led the tournament in scoring with an average of 24.6 points per game*
Elite Division
Champion – Granite Bay
MVP – G Sr. Robert Duncan (Granite Bay)
1st Team:
G Sr. Jacob Keys (Granite Bay)
G Jr. Chris Spears (Cathedral)
G Sr. Hunter Moore (Mission Hills)
F Jr. Zack Allmon (Mission Prep)
F Sr. Steven Sainsbury (SLO High)
F Sr. Jon Davis (Granite Bay)
All-Tourney Teams and Awards coming soon
We will have our All-Tourney Teams and Tourney Awards out here shortly. Stay tuned. Thanks!
Day 4 Games
Here we go with the final day of the Classic.
Game 1: Cathedral 50 vs. Mission Prep 63
The host Royals put together their second consecutive win to start the final day at the Classic. Zack Allmon (#23, pictured below) once again led Mission’s offensive attack with a game-high 25 points. Andy Rowley had added 15 points of his own. Cathedral guards Alan Fragoso and Chris Spears had 18 points a piece in a losing effort.
Photo Courtesy of Sukoski Photography. All tournament photos are available for purchase in the Main Lobby.
Game 2: Sylmar 65 vs. Stockdale 70
In the first game of their back-to-back Stockdale prevailed over Bort Escoto’s Sylmar squad. Crafty guard Vinny Lidgett had 25 points and fellow senior Jarrett Irvin had 20 points for the Mustangs. Do-it-all forward Alex Moreno (#23, pictured below) once again piled up the stats finishing with 27 points today.
Photo Courtesy of Sukoski Photography. All tournament photos are available for purchase in the Main Lobby.
Game 3: SLO 58 vs. Stockdale 67
With less than 15 minutes in between games, Stockdale overcame early fatigue and found a way to get it done in the second half. SLO jumped out to a halftime lead as Michael Hansen scored all of his 13 points in the first two quarters. Steven Sainsbury (#1, pictured below) finished with a team-high 20 points for the Tigers. Andrew Garcia (#23, pictured with ball, below) and Vinny Lidgett led the Mustang comeback with 22 and 12 points, respectively.
Photo Courtesy of Sukoski Photography. All tournament photos are available for purchase in the Main Lobby.
Game 4: Campbell Hall 51 vs. Marin Catholic 46
The Vikings escaped with a close victory over a Marin Catholic team that refused to quit. Cole Huff led all scorers with 19 points and although Austin McBroom had an off-day he still finished with 15 points (11-12 FT). Wildcat guard Dominic Stazulo (#25, pictured below), 18 points, and David Ahern, 13 points, each had big days to lead mount a comeback that ultimately fell short.
Photo Courtesy of Sukoski Photography. All tournament photos are available for purchase in the Main Lobby.
Game 5: Campolindo 53 vs. Santa Clara 39
The Cougars exploded out of the gates on a 25-1 run and never trailed in this one. Although Santa Clara pulled it within 6 points in the 2nd half, Campolindo wasn’t rattled. Jordan Krumrei had a game-high 15 points for Campo, while Bryce Kilmer led Santa Clara with 13 points. Sophomore Jack Evans (#21, pictured below) added 10 points of his own for the Cougars. Campolindo takes 3rd place in the Elite Division.
Photo Courtesy of Sukoski Photography. All tournament photos are available for purchase in the Main Lobby.
Game 6: Price 54 vs. Washington 53
In one of the most exciting games of the Classic, Price staved off a last-minute comeback by Washington. Once again, without Norvel Pelle, the Knights turned to Askia Booker (#23, pictured below), 15 points, and Skylar Spencer, 12 points, to pick up the scoring load. Down six points with less than two minutes to play, Washington ended the game with 5 unanswered points capped by Michaelyn Scott’s key steal and layup. Scott (#12, pictured below) finished with a game-high 19 points but was just off on a last second floater that would’ve won the game for the Generals. Senior guard Chris Brown finished with 11 points for Washington in defeat. Price takes 3rd place in the National Division.
Photo Courtesy of Sukoski Photography. All tournament photos are available for purchase in the Main Lobby.
Game 7: Granite Bay 54 vs. Mission Hills 39
Elite MVP Robert Duncan overcame early shooting woes to pilot Granite Bay over Mission Hills. Duncan finished with 19 points. Guard Nathan Brillington tallied 11 points while forward Jon Davis added 10 points of his own. Granite Bay’s defense was rock-solid and they finished the 3rd quarter on a 9-2 run to put the game out of reach for good. Senior Hunter Moore had 15 points for Mission Hills in the loss. GB takes 1st place in the Elite Division.
Photo Courtesy of Sukoski Photography. All tournament photos are available for purchase in the Main Lobby.
Game 8: Pasadena 47 vs. Taft 50
The 2010 Christmas Classic ended in dramatic fashion with a back-and-forth battle between Taft and Pasadena. With most players battling sickness, Taft struggled to put away a gritty Pasadena team. Todd Lewis Jr. scored a game-high 20 points for the Bulldogs in a contest that saw multiple lead changes throughout. National MVP C.J. Blackwell led Taft with 17 hard-earned points and guard Khiry Williams finished with 12 points. Freshman Ajon Jefferson sealed the game for the Toreadors by scoring 5 points in the final 90 seconds. Pasadena’s John Hayward was a late-game catalyst but the last few shots just didn’t fall for the Bulldogs in this one.
Be sure to stay tuned to the Blog after the Tournament ends to look out for post-tourney analysis and MPCC Awards.
Day 3 Games
Here we go with games on Day 3, if you haven’t read the Day 1/Day 2 analysis below feel free to check that out.
Game 1: Sylmar 73 vs. Campbell Hall 101
This may be the highest scoring game in Classic history. Austin McBroom (#5, pictured below) and KJ Smith both had huge days for the Vikings with 35 and 32 points, respectively. Both teams lived off fastbreak points but Sylmar turned the ball over too many times to stay in this one. Alex Moreno had another strong showing in the loss for the Spartans with 29 points and a handful of blocked shots.
Photo Courtesy of Sukoski Photography. All tournament photos are available for purchase in the Main Lobby.
Game 2: Cathedral 54 vs. SLO 60
Once again San Luis Obispo had a great team effort today. Michael Hansen totaled 16 points and Steven Sainsbury had 11 points of his own for the Tigers. In defeat, ball-handler Chris Spears (#20, pictured below) filled it up once again with 23 points for Cathedral.
Photo Courtesy of Sukoski Photography. All tournament photos are available for purchase in the Main Lobby.
Game 3: Marin Catholic 67 vs. Stockdale 61
Jordan Roggenbuck (#44, pictured below), 17 points, led four Wildcat scorers in double figures as Marin Catholic overcame a first half deficit to beat Stockdale. Jarrett Irvin was one of three Mustangs scorers in double figures with 17 points, but it wasn’t enough.
Photo Courtesy of Sukoski Photography. All tournament photos are available for purchase in the Main Lobby.
Game 4: Sylmar 52 vs. Mission Prep 78
Host school Mission Prep rebounded from last night’s heartbreaking loss to beat Sylmar. They took advantage of a Spartan squad that had to play the 9 am game today and as a result looked fatigued from the tip. Zack Allmon (#23, pictured below) led four Mission Prep scorers in double figures with a big 25 point game. Coming off a 29-point performance in the morning game, Sylmar forward Alex Moreno continued his torrid offensive pace with 26 points in the loss.
Photo Courtesy of Sukoski Photography. All tournament photos are available for purchase in the Main Lobby.
Game 5: Campolindo 47 vs. Granite Bay 64
Granite Bay appears to be the team to beat in the Elite Bracket especially after an impressive win over a solid Campolindo squad. Robert Duncan (#33, pictured below) light it up early and often as the Grizzlies jumped out to a 27-3 1st quarter lead. Duncan had 14 points in the 1st quarter and finished with a game-high 31. Jon Davis contributed with 16 points of his own for Granite Bay. Griffin Piatt was the only Campo scorer over 7 points as he finished with 12.
Photo Courtesy of Sukoski Photography. All tournament photos are available for purchase in the Main Lobby.
Game 6: Pasadena 52 vs. Price 49
Price center Norvel Pelle sat out this game with flu-like symptoms. Pasadena took advantage. The Bulldogs exploded out of the gates for a 37-16 halftime lead by playing some inspired basketball. They got contributions up and down the lineup as Blake Hamilton finished with a team-high 12 points. Kenny Green and Skylar Spencer (#0, pictured below) mounted a Knights comeback while scoring 22 of their combined 30 points in the second half. Price got the lead all the way down to 3 points in the final minute but 4 late free throws from Carl Robinson and John Hayward sealed the victory for Pasadena. I guess, tonight, the Price was wrong.
Photo Courtesy of Sukoski Photography. All tournament photos are available for purchase in the Main Lobby.
Game 7: Mission Hills 61 vs. Santa Clara 46
In a rematch of an earlier tournament game, the outcome was the same. Kibret Woldemichel (#0, pictured below) scored a team-high 12 points as Mission Hills once again defeated Santa Clara. Sophomore point guard Juan Valdovinos had 13 points in the loss for Santa Clara.
Game 8: Washington 51 vs. Taft 74
Taft once again showed its strength in this affair. C.J. Blackwell (#15, pictured below) tallied a game-high 22 points while Khiry Williams and Stephen Maxwell added 12 and 11 points, respectively. Washington pulled it within 3 points in the 2nd half before Taft went on a sharp 15-0 run to put the game out of reach for good. Chris Brown had 13 points for the Generals in a losing effort.
If anyone has any particular interest in today’s games or players just let me know and I can keep an eye out. Thanks.
Day 1 and Day 2 Analysis
Some ruminations about the 1st two days of the Classic:
Granite Bay didn’t come to this tournament just to play, they came to win. A relative unknown entering the Classic they have jumped out of the gate in both of their first two games and dominated. They play very smart basketball and they are relentless. They have looked like one of the top Elite Bracket teams thus far. Robert Duncan has impressed in both contests with his all-around game.
Taft has incredible depth. Wow. Their second unit is so strong and disciplined. It gives them a huge advantage in every game they play. Senior guard Spencer Dinwiddie has displayed a high basketball IQ and good feel for the game. He sticks out as the team leader.
Price’s Norvel Pelle is pretty incredible when he’s on. But he plays inconsistently. When he’s on his game, he is a strong rebounder, a good shooter, and uses his immense talent to dominate both ends of the court. But he isn’t on his game nearly as much as he could be. With him playing at a high level, Price’s 1st unit is one of the strongest in the state. When he is mentally out of the game, it is a different story. Guard Askia Booker is a physical point. He is a fierce penetrator but an even better on-ball defender. He has showed his worth early here.
Campbell Hall’s Austin McBroom, a 4-year player at the Classic, is a real competitor. He doesn’t get involved with the other team vocally. He just lets his play do the talking. He’s been one of the best ballhandlers for the last two years here and he has a varied scoring repertoire. Although he was one of the top scorers in the state as a junior, I could see his offensive output plateauing this year. Not because his offensive game has diminished, but because of the huge strides teammate Cole Huff has made in becoming a legitimate offensive threat. Huff’s emergence has helped McBroom become a more efficient scorer as well.
Pasadena’s roster is one of the most athletic in the field. We’ll see if they can put it together on the court in the upcoming games.
Stockdale’s Vinny Lidgett has filled up the stat sheet thus far. He can shoot it from deep and is a deceptively strong driver as well.
Sylmar’s Alex Moreno is a very fluid athlete. He uses his body to facilitate his offensive game as well as anyone thus far. He’s a very powerful player and a great shot-blocker.
Michaelyn Scott and Chris Brown of Washington form one of the quickest backcourt duos in the tournament. But I don’t think we’ve even seen their best yet. I’m excited to see them play in the 2nd round today.
Cathedral’s Chris Spears has an incredible handle. He’s an undersized player but possesses ideal quickness and a knack for beating his man off the dribble. He hasn’t showcased too much of a jumper, mostly because he penetrates all the time.
Both Mission Hills and Campolindo both play a very similar style of basketball. Both have solid contributions up and down the lineup. Fundamentally solid. Not shockingly, both are in the 2nd round of the Elite Bracket.
Santa Clara’s Richard Craig and Marin Catholic’s David Ahern are both strong scorers for their respective teams. They both knock down open jumpers and in high school that opens up everything.
As far as local teams go, Mission Prep and SLO both suffered defeats in the 1st round of bracket play. Under a new head coach, SLO is playing a rejuvenated brand of basketball. SLO High’s Mike Hansen and Steven Sainsbury have really battled in both games. Art Lane and Andy Rowley have both played well for MP which has two down-the-wire losses thus far.
Feel free to comment if you think anyone else has stood out thus far.
