This time the Carson High boys basketball team played well for three quarters, but it wasn't enough against one of Southern California's top teams at the Sea Hawk Classic in Redondo Beach, Calif.
Carson led Jordan of Long Beach, Calif., ranked No. 10 in the Los Angeles region by MaxPreps.com, after three quarters, but Jordan outscored the Senators 26-16 in the fourth quarter for a 67-58 win on Friday.
The Senators have lost all three of their games in the tournament and in each game, one quarter has effective proven to be the difference. "It seems like one quarter gets us every time," Carson coach Bruce Barnes said.
Carson trailed 26-22 at halftime, but outscored Jordan 20-15 in the third quarter to take a 42-41 lead. Foul shooting was a big difference in the fourth quarter.
Jordan hit 10-of-13 foul shots in the fourth quarter while Carson was 4-of-9. For the game, Jordan was 15-of-22 while the Senators were 10-of-22.
CHS led by three points early in the fourth quarter and trailed by just three points with one minute, 30 seconds left before Jordan put the game away at the foul line. Caleb Carter scored 14 points and Paul Cagle added 11 points for Carson.
Barnes said he hopes facing the tough competition in the tournament will pay off when the Senators return to Nevada.
"I think we're taking baby steps," Barnes said. "I think we're getting better. Hopefully this will help us in the long run."
It won't be any easier today when Carson plays either Ramona of Animo, two of Southern California's top teams. Barnes said the game will likely be the second toughest one of the tournament for his team, with the opening 70-50 loss to North Torrance being the toughest.
GALENA 66, WHITEFIELD ACADEMY 63
While it was a relatively high-scoring game, the way the Grizzlies won at the end made Galena coach smile at the Tampa Hoops Classic.
Goose Robinson made two free throws to give Galena a 66-63 lead with eight seconds left and then the Grizzlies denied Whitefield a chance at a three-point shot to preserve the win. "It was great defense, something I strive for," Maurer said.
In beating Whitefield for its first win of the tournament in three games, Galena beat a team that featured two of the top 35 juniors in Georgia.
"This tournament is the real deal and we finally did something nice," Maurer said. "I feel very good about getting the win."
Galena outscored Whitefield 27-15 in the second quarter to take a 38-33 halftime lead and never relinquished its advantage for the rest of the game. Maurer said he was also happy with his team being more aggressive on offense.
In addition, Maurer said he continued to receive key contributions from his bench, pointing out players such as John Metzger. "Guys stepped up to the plate," said Maurer, who went 10 deep.
Luke Babbitt led Galena with 34 points. "Babbitt played a superb game," Maurer said. Robinson scored 12 points and Metzger added six points for Galena, which concludes play in the tournament today.
CHS JV GIRLS 35, TRUCKEE 18
Hannah Dudley had six points and nine rebounds, Kendra Krupp had seven points and five rebounds and Terralynn Tiffer added four assists for Carson (6-1) at the State Farm Holiday Classic. Carson will play at 9 a.m. today at Damonte Ranch.
MANOGUE 63, CHS FROSH GIRLS 57
Elizabeth Cagle had nine rebounds, Lindsay Burroughs and Lisa Yamamoto each had five rebounds, and Kaitlin Sinclair, Ashley Saarem, Breann Perry and Cagle all had four assists for Carson (7-1) at the State Farm Classic. Carson will play in the third place game at 4:15 p.m. today at Damonte.