California faced top-seeded Eugene in the championship game of the Class 3 District 10 Boys Basketball Tournament Saturday at Versailles, where the #2 seeded Pintos won their first district title since 1990 as they defeated the Eagles 61-55.
"This was a big moment," California Coach Blair Scanlon said after the win. "The kids really earned it; 22 years is an eternity. It feels great."
California led 14-6 after the first quarter and 27-24 at the half. The Pintos outscored the Eagles 20-9 in the third quarter to lead 47-33 going into the final frame. Eugene chiseled California's lead away in the fourth quarter to trail by just one point, 53-52, with 2:38 left to play.
The Pintos, however, proved to be unstoppable as freshman Jaden Barr sank a shot and Taron Morris scored two points and a free throw to give California a 57-52 edge with 1:40 remaining. Adam Burger and Morris each hit two free throws to wrap up the scoring for the Pintos at 61-55.
The inside presence of Longan, Morris and Alec Ramsdell proved to be too much for the Eagles.
For more of this story check out the March 7 issue of the California Democrat.