BOYS BASKETBALL: Renaissance Academy falls to Branson
Live from Arco Arena
Wildcats unable to come back against Bulls
My thoughts: I was absolutely amazed that Renaissance Academy was taken completely out of its game by the Bulls. Anthony Stover was immediately double-teamed whenever he touched the ball, and Justin Cook was taken out of sync as well. Add in the fact that Josh Thomas, although he led the Wildcats with 11 points, was taken out of the game in key situations due to playing frustrated. Branson thoroughly outplayed Renaissance Academy and had them beaten mentally as well.
First Quarter
Renaissance Academy made sozme poor choices in shot selection and had to settle for a 10-10 tie after one. Josh Thomas scored six of the 10 points for the Wildcats.
Second Quarter
Renaissance Academy continues to play into Branson's hands by forcing passes, resulting in turnovers. The Wildcats made just one field goal, a layup by Anthony Stover, and trail 19-14 at the half. Branson ouscored RA 9-4 in the quarter.
Third Quarter
The Wildcats showed signs of life, but Branson kept things even in the third quarter to lead 31-26 after three quarters.
Fourth Quarter
Curtis Elijah hits a 3-pointer at the shot-clock buzzer and sank a bucket to give Branson a 36-26 lead midway through the final quarter. Yader Combs gave Renaissance Academy its first points of the quarter with 2:25 to play.
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Melendez worked as a correspondent for the San Gabriel Valley Tribune for three years and later landed a job as a freelance writer at the Los Angeles Times before accepting an offer at The Orange County Register covering high schools. Melendez covered Major League Soccer at The Register for three years before being promoted to report on the Lakers, Angels and Dodgers for the Web. Melendez also worked for the Daytona Beach News-Journal, Fresno Bee, Oakland Tribune and The Boston Globe. E-mail opinions, suggestions and tips to miguel.melendez@sgvn.com. |
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you have your way with words don't you
I like this sport. You like it? what you think of it? If you have some time, it may wish to continue your article to share with you the happiness.
No problem Anon. I originally thought you were joking. Thanks.
Excuse me Scott it was a oversight on my part. Thanks for the direction.
Anon 9:26: Please tell me you're joking. But in the event that you're not, you'll notice just above the picture of Arco Arena a paragraph that says my thoughts.
Scott we see how Dan Arritt saw the game, what is your take? Those of us who weren't able to attend are hearing different stories about what went on so can you give us your personal observations.
Congratulations RA family.
My colleague, Eric Sondheimer, said before the game that he thought Renaissance Academy would get out-coached in the boys' Division V state final. Give that guy a pat on the back.
The Wildcats had all the size and talent they needed to defeat Ross Branson at Arco Arena in Sacramento. Unfortunately, you also need a plan, and Renaissance Academy didn't seem to have one in mind.
Renaissance Academy hit another scoreless rut in the fourth quarter, going the first 5 1/2 minutes without a point. That opened the barn door for the Bulls to escape with a 40-33 victory and their third straight state title.
As I've written more times than my own name today, the Wildcats had a front line that was 6-10, 6-8 and 6-7, but Coach Sid Cooke preferred to go guard-for-guard against Branson, and Renaissance Academy paid the price.
DeAndre Daniels, a 6-8 sophomore forward who scored a team-high 20 points in the Southern California Regional final, barely played in the second half, checking in for Josh Thomas with just under six minutes left in the fourth quarter and then coming back out a few minutes later. Cooke had some harsh words for Daniels as he walked off the floor, but Daniels just ignored him.
The Wildcats didn't score in the fourth quarter until reserve guard Yader Combs hit a three-pointer to cut Branson's lead to 36-29 with 2:30 remaining.
Justin Thomas, the team's leading scorer, was held to three points, and the big three for Renaissance Academy combined for six, all from 6-10 junior Anthony Stover, who only took six shots against 6-6 defender Curtis Elijah. Granted, the Bulls helped out Elijah whenever Stover touched the ball.
As for the referees, well, they've been pretty invisible so far, which is how you like them to be.
-- Dan Arritt
Sid, great job, you were a winner before you went up, and still are. You give of yourself and your time to anyone who wants to learn basketball wheather they want to play for you or not. This is just the start of your good times. I wish you, your family and your program at Renaissance Academy the best.
Great job for representing our area RA. You played your hearts out. Keep it up for next year.