
The three-game showcase started with a blowout (Orange Lutheran over Cajon), but ended with a pair of games that weren't decided until the final possession.
Here are my thoughts on the night and my stars of the game:
Orange Lutheran 87, Cajon 63: The Lancers' guard trio (aka The Future) didn't disappoint. James Douglas (21 points), Tyler Funk (17 points) and Gabe York (16 points) led the way. The Lancers are heading into league play 14-3, and they are definitely a team to watch. I ranked the Lancers 10th in my top 10 last week. They're moving up my rankings this week.
Stars o' the game: Tyler Funk (17 points, six rebounds, seven assists); Cory Nadeau (13 points and 14 rebounds).
No. 5 Ocean View 40, Mission Viejo 39: The Seahawks might be confusing to some, but I think this team is finally starting to listen to the coaching staff.
I will let Ocean View coach Jim Harris explain: "We were judging our team by how well we do on offense. We were shooting the ball well earlier in the year against good teams, but we weren't going to be the team that they're capable of being unless they change their priority."
(In other words, you don't defend, you don't play.)
Harris continued: "We're doing a much better job of working hard. To hold that team (Mission Viejo) to 39 points ... we have to be proud of that. When you first start really learning to play hard, offense usually does go into the tank because you're playing so intense."
That was the case Saturday as the Seahawks scored 14, 12, nine and five points. As guard Steven Yoon said: "It was a grind."
More good stuff from Harris: "I have a much better outlook for my team for the future than I had a couple of weeks ago. Even though we were highly ranked, highly thought of with the talent we have. Yes, we have talent, but the talent needs to learn to play hard."
Star o' the game: Harris. Saturday's victory was his 600th.
Servite 50, No. 6 Capistrano Valley 47: Leave it to the Friars to record one of the year's biggest upsets. Servite entered the night 3-10 after losing to Brea Olinda on Friday night. Servite began the game by scoring five points in the first quarter and it appeared that it was on the fast track to loss No. 11.
Servite trailed by six in the second quarter, led by four in the third and trailed by seven in the fourth.
John Russo, playing in his second game of the season, scored 24 points, including a 3 at the buzzer to seal the victory.
Stars o' the game: The Friars. Midway through the fourth quarter, they trailed 47-40. They rallied to tie, got a big defensive stop, then Russo sent everybody home.