Despite the loss, Carson boys basketball coach Carlos Mendeguia felt much better about his team’s effort on Saturday at the Torrey Pines Holiday Classic in Carlsbad, Calif.
Carson was coming off a 38-37 win over Laguna on Friday and even though the Senators lost 43-40 against Murrieta Valley of Southern California, Mendeguia was pleased with his team’s play.
“It was a much better effort than yesterday,” he said. “We played a complete game against a much better team. We probably played our best game of the year. I think we grew as a team.”
Carson actually held a 7-point lead at one point, but an ill-advised foul on a 3-point shot helped Murrieta come back. Murrieta made all three free throws to spark a run that tied the game.
Cameron Price scored 12 points and Jared Rooker, Kyle Steele and Terrance Allen all added six points for the Senators, who continue play in the tournament at 3:50 p.m. Monday.
GIRLS BASKETBALL
The Carson High girls basketball team showed its resiliency in the opening game of the West Coast Holiday Classic in Southern California.
Carson allowed a 13-point lead to slip away, but came back to finish strong in a 51-42 win over Legacy of Las Vegas on Saturday.
Carson ended up splitting two games on the first day of the tournament, losing to host Burroughs 61-47.
Against Legacy, Carson led 25-12 at halftime. “We played really well the first half,” Carson coach Nate Tolbert said.
But Legacy came back to take a 31-30 lead late in the third quarter when Carson was plagued by turnovers. The Senators finished the game with 22 turnovers.
The Senators, tough, regrouped to again take command in the fourth quarter. “We finished the game strong,” Tolbert said. “It was a good test of character.”
Carson made 14 steals, led by Maddie Preston’s six steals. “We played solid defense,” Tolbert said.
Tolbert also referred to Ivory Pembrook, who scored 11 points, as the player of the game, saying she ignited the Senators. Preston led Carson in scoring with 20 points and Michelle Perry added nine points.
Tolbert also said his team should benefit from the tough competition it faced against Burroughs. “That’s why we come to these,” Tolbert said.
He said his team was able to hold its own against Burroughs. Carson fell behind by 22 points in the third quarter, but was able to battle back. “They’re a really strong team,” Tolbert said. “We fought really hard to get back into the game.”
Preston scored 15 points, Pembrook had 12 points and Brianna Alvarado added 11 points for Carson.
JV BOYS BASKETBALL
Carson splits at State Farm
RENO — Greg Wallace scored eight points to lead the Senators to an easy 50-21 win over Damonte Ranch on the second day of the State Farm Classic at Damonte Ranch.
Michael Mendoza and Wyatt Rooker added seven each, while Jesse Lopez and Alec Pearson scored six each.
On Friday, Carson dropped a 51-42 decision to Spanish Springs despite 18 points from Wallace.
FROSH BASKETBALL
Dayton loses again at Damonte
RENO — The Dust Devils dropped a 37-26 decision to Fallon on Saturday. Dayton had a strong defensive performance but struggled to score until the fourth quarter.
Jacob Massett lead the scoring with 11 points.
Carson boys edge Damonte
RENO — Dawson Lamb made 2 free throws with 25 seconds to play to give Carson a 48-46 win on Saturday at the State Farm Classic.
Blaise Bonomo scored 12 for Carson and Derek Barry added eight.
FRESHMAN GIRLS BASKETBALL
Carson girls rebound
RENO — Lauren Lemburg scored 14 points to lead the Senators past Damonte Ranch 44-27 on Saturday in the State Farm Classic.
Blanca Sosa scored 11 and Abbey Paulson added nine.
Carson improved to 6-4 and returns to action Monday.
JUNIOR VARSITY BASKETBALL
Carson girls split
RENO — Carson (8-3) rolled to a 58-37 win over Damonte Ranch at the State Farm Holiday Classic, with four players scoring in double fiigures.
Mallory Otto scored 12 points, Arianna Schmidt and Sophia Ruedy each had 11 points and Camill Simpson added 10 points for Carson
On Friday, foul trouble plagued Carson in its 57-43 loss to Spanish Springs at the State Farm Holiday Classic. Spanish Springs made 18 free throws while Carson was just 9-of-16 from the foul line.
Josie Share scored 11 points and Mallory Otto added 10 points.
Carson continues play in the tournament against Fallon at 5:45 p.m. Monday.