Chargers Finish Second at Mesa Tournament

King averaged 11.7 points throughout the tournament.

Cypress falls to conference rival Santa Ana.

December 30, 2008

box score vs. Victor Valley
box score vs. East Los Angeles
box score vs. Santa Ana

San Diego, Calif. – Cypress traveled to San Diego Mesa before the New Years for an eight team tournament. The Chargers finished second over the three days winning two before losing to Santa Ana in the tournament championship. Sophomore guard DuWayne King led Cypress with 35 points and 12 assists through the tournament and was named to the all-tournament team.

The Chargers started it off with an immediate rematch against Victor Valley. After losing to Victor Valley just a week earlier, Cypress pulled out the win 88-84 to move into the winner’s bracket. Cypress showed even scoring with freshman guard Tim Austin leading the way with 16 while King, and sophomore forwards John Staats and Devon McDonald picked up 14 each. McDonald also added 12 rebounds for a double-double.

In the winner’s bracket, Cypress took on East Los Angeles in the semifinals and slipped by another opponent 71-68. Freshman guard Nick Becker took the lead role with a season high 24 points off nine field goals. King pitched in 16 while McDonald grabbed 12 rebounds.

Cypress took on conference rival Santa Ana in the championship game. Cypress came up just short losing 70-64. Freshman guard Rufus Jemison led Cypress this time around with 18 points going seven-for-seven from the field. Staats followed with 16.

Cypress improves to 10-10 to conclude their final game before conference. Cypress will start things off hosting third ranked Riverside. Riverside is 16-4 on a five game win streak. The game will be especially meaningful as a pre-game ceremony will honor former coach Don Johnson as the court is dedicated to his name. The ceremony is scheduled for 7:15 pm Wednesday night with the game following at 7:30 pm at Cypress.