August 31, 2009
2011s win Nor Cal Clash
The members of the 2011 class showed no respect for their elders in the Nor Cal Clash as the so-called youngsters came from behind and then ran away with a 105-99 victory Sunday evening at Contra Costa College.
Gardner took over the game
It was bow-down-to-Kiwi Gardner-time as the junior from Manteca High came on in the third quarter and put the game away in the fourth with his passing wizardry.
The first quarter ended with the ‘10s’ performing well and leading 32-17. De La Salle’s John McArthur was having his way inside and the kids were offering up too many turnovers.
The differential closed to eight, 56-48, at the half. Sacramento High’s Travon Abraham proved very effective and was more than likely the lead candidate at the time for the game’s most valuable player honors.
The third quarter was of, by and for the youth as the ‘11s’ poured in 42 points and led 86-75 when the buzzer sounded. At that point, it was close to being a tie between Gardner and Darius Nelson of Sheldon High for the top player honors.
It became cat-and-mouse ball after that as Gardner and his clan maintained the lead and closed matters out. Kiwi of the San Joaquin displayed marvelous vision and foresight on numerous occasions. Receiving a pass on a break, he immediately sent the ball right back for an easy layup. Later, he dribble penetrated until two defenders converged on him three feet from the basket. He tossed a hook pass over his head that produced yet another easy two.
Gardner wasn’t in the running for most valuable honors at the half but boosted himself in contention by the conclusion of the third quarter. He then ran away with the award.
For the ‘10’ squad, Abraham finished with 22 points. Dominique Lee of St. Mary’s played a strong game throughout and ended with 19 points. McArthur closed out with 17.
Sacramento High’s Josiah Turner led the ‘11s’ with 20 points. Nelson had a bruising 19 and Castro Valley’s Rodrick Bobbitt added 13. The team also received effective efforts from Oakmont High’s JT Adenrele (watch out when he fills out) and Stewart Wesonga of San Marin. Gardner scored nine points but passed for double figures in assists.