The Douglas High boys basketball team showed its character down the stretch for the second straight night in beating Centennial of Bakersfield, Calif., 70-62 for fifth place in the Clovis (Calif.) Christmas Tournament.
For the second straight game, Douglas was able to come back after letting a lead slip away in the fourth quarter. On Friday, the Tigers came back to beat Immanuel of Reedley, Calif., 60-56.
"Two games we probably would have lost last year," Douglas coach Rob Streeter said.
"We showed a lot of growth. I'm pleased with the progress of the preseason. We've made steps in the right direction. We still have a lot of work to do."
Douglas led 18-10 after one quarter before Centennial closed to within 29-26 at halftime and 46-44 after three quarters. The Tigers won largely on the strength of their foul shooting as they went 10-of-14 in the fourth quarter and 24-of-33 for the game. "We were able to put the game away at the foul line," Streeter said.
Keith Olson, who made the all-tournament team, scored 17 points, Michael Gransbery had 19 points, Joe Nady scored 14 points and Jeff Nady added eigth points. Among others who played well was Jared Trowbridge, Streeter said.
The Tigers improved to 10-5 with two of the losses coming to nationally ranked teams Artesia of California and Florida's Arlington Country Day. Another loss came to Southern section power Notre Dame of Sherman Oaks, Calif., who advanced to the championship game at Clovis.
Douglas was scheduled to play at home on Tuesday against Wooster, but that game has been rescheduled. The Tigers' next game will be a tough test on Jan. 9 against Archie Kovich at North Valleys.