For the JSerra Lions (San Juan Capistrano, California), this morning's clash with Dos Pueblos (Goleta, California) opened up with an emphatic start from the McClain brothers, MuNir and Malik, who scored 7 of the Lions' first 10 points. MuNir was extremely aggressive straight from the tip, splashing in a 3 early in the first quarter and then stealing the ball back on the defensive end, and Malik fed off of his brother's dominance, slashing to the basket for layups.
The McClains and teammate Omeed Fakhimi powered the Lions to a 10-0 start and a deficit Dos Pueblos could not overcome. JSerra defeated Dos Pueblos 73-51 on Saturday at Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana.
Dos Pueblos appeared to be outsized, and JSerra's 6-foot-11 center, Joel Mensah, took full advantage by scoring 21 points and grabbing seven rebounds.
"I shot pretty well out there today, and also tried to hit the boards," Mensah said.
Mensah displayed his freakish athleticism with several mesmerizing dunks and strong boards. Early in the second quarter, Dos Pueblos began to make a bit of a run by hitting several 3s and playing hard on both ends. Chargers guard Diego Riker finished with 14 points to lead Dos Pueblos and tried to push the tempo.
"We did our best to push the ball, but couldn't get out to a fast start like we wanted to," he said.
The Chargers' quick run was quickly deflated by the length and size of JSerra, and the Lions began to pull away. Entering the third quarter with a 40-22 lead, JSerra extended their margin with an 11-point third quarter and a 22-point fourth. Dos Pueblos shot just 33.3 percent from the field, while JSerra capitalized on their opportunities, shooting 53.6 percent.
"Our big guys played really well, they finished at the rim and got out in transition," JSerra head coach Zach Brogdon said.
The Lions also had an edge from beyond the 3-point line, shooting a red hot 52.9 percent. Dos Pueblos hit 35 percent of their 3's, but finished with 16 turnovers. JSerra scored 21 points off those 16 Charger turnovers, and out rebounded them 39-24.
