COD Men’s Basketball knocks off Falcons at SBCC Holiday Classic

COD (2-9) grabbed their second win of the season in the second round of the consolation bracket as the Roadrunners dropped 2 of 3 at the Santa Barbara City Holiday Classic.

The Roadrunners found themselves down early to the host Santa Barbara City Vaqueros (5-7), going into halftime down 42-26, but Desert came roaring back in the second half, falling short 78-76. Freshman guard Jayden Creavalle (Palm Springs H.S.) leapt off of the bench to lead all scorers with 27 points in 21 minutes, going 10 for 12 from the field, including going a perfect 5 for 5 from 3-point range. Sophomore starting guard Wilfred Weir (Murrieta Valley) added 15 points on 7 of 19 shooting. Freshman guard Jack Durant (Indio H.S.) added 14 points and 4 assists off of the bench, going 3 for 4 from beyond the arc. Sophomore starting forward Jamerson McClendon (Indio H.S.) led the team in total rebounds (9), assists (5), steals (3) and blocks (2), adding 9 points, going 4 for 7 shooting.

On the consolation side of the bracket, Desert faced off with the Coalinga Falcons (1-12). The Roadrunners opened up strong and then had to hold on late for the 82-78 win. Weir led all scorers with the second-best point total of his career and highest of the season, as he scored 29 points on 10 of 17 shooting, including going and near perfect 8 for 9 from the free throw line and grabbing 2 steals. Freshman starting forward Stephen Shuffleton (Palm Desert H.S.) had a season high 23 points on 9 of 12 shooting. McClendon led all players with the third-best total rebound total of his career and highest of the season, as he grabbed 11 boards, 9 defensive and led the team in assists (8) and steals (3). Creavalle once again leapt off of the bench and contributed in a big way, adding his second-best scoring night of the season, 17 points on 6 of 11 shooting, including going 3 of 7 from beyond the arc in the win.

In the consolation championship, the Roadrunners had to take on the Merced Blue Devils (7-5). Desert won the first half, but struggled in the second and fell, 84-73. Weir, once again, led all scorers with his 6th 20+ point night, scoring 22 points on 8 of 18 shooting, going a perfect 5 for 5 from the charity stripe, and leading the team with 3 assists. Durant leapt off of the bench to have a season high 15 points on 6 of 15 shooting, going 3 for 11 from 3-point range. Creavalle, also off of the bench, added 13 points on 4 of 12 shooting, going 3 of 8 from beyond the arc. Sophomore starting center Sedrick Johnson (Phoenix (AZ) Skyline Prep) added 8 points on 4 of 7 shooting and freshman starting forward Jacob Sells (Upland H.S.) had a season high 10 boards.

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For additional information, please contact the COD Sports Information Office at 760.423.6641.

Information & Story provided by COD Sports Information. Photo by Darbie Catalfamo Photography.