SACRAMENTO — Lathrop’s torrid eight-game winning streak was halted Thursday, as high-flying Burbank outscored the Spartans by 16 points in the third quarter on its way to an 81-58 victory in the St. Hope Elite Hoop Classic Platinum Division semifinals at Sacramento High.
“That is one of the most athletic teams I’ve ever seen,” Lathrop coach Craig Ward said. “They must have had like 12 dunks. It feels like we’re at least on the right track and we showed that we can play with anybody, we just went up against a super athletic team that plays way above the rim.”
After it was held to just seven points in the first quarter, Lathrop (8-4) erupted for 23 in the second and trailed 33-30 at halftime. The Titans (11-1), ranked 14th in the state according to MaxPreps, took over from there behind Isiah Davis’ 28 points.
Lathrop’s Junior Ballard fired a game-high 30 points. Anthony Blase and Isias Hunter added 10 apiece. The Spartans missed 14 free throws and committed 22 turnovers.
“It should have been a much closer game, but we’re ecstatic to make the final four in a tournament of this caliber,” Ward said. It’s something to build off of for sure.”
Lathrop squares off with Washington (4-2) from Milwaukee, Wisc. in the third-place game today at 4:30.
Weston Ranch 62,
Centennial 56
SACRAMENTO — Weston Ranch (6-5) was paced by two underclassmen in the St. Hope Elite Hoop Classic Gold Division contest, as sophomore Raul Melgarejo poured in 24 points and freshman point guard Gavin Wilburn finished with 12 points, eight rebounds and seven assists.
Centennial (8-4) of Compton led 34-27 at halftime. The Cougars take on Vacaville (8-5) for the consolation title starting at 3 today.
Sonora 53, East Union 45
SONORA — A 19-8 second quarter in favor of Sonora (8-3) proved to be the difference in the Columbia College Tournament semifinal.
Gyse Hulsebosch and Blake Greenlee scored 12 points apiece for the Lancers (7-5), who take on James Lick of San Jose in the third-place game today at 2. Jace Decker led the Wildcats with 16 points.
Freshman
Manteca 77 Ripon 60
The Buffaloes (7-3) won their seventh straight game and their Block M Tournament championship behind Jordan Burciaga’s 26 points.
Trabon Russell chipped in 19 points, Jacob De Jesus had 15 and Spencer Briscoe 10.
Ripon (11-1) was led by Troy Brogan’s 27 points and 14 rebounds. Nico Ilardi tallied 16 points and seven assists. Dorian Dougherty contributed 11 points.
