The Carpinteria boys basketball team headed to the Lions’ den on Friday night, traveling to Oaks Christian to take on the Tri-Valley League’s first place team.
While they didn’t come away with the upset win, the Warriors did manage to hold their own in a 68-50 loss to the Lions.
“We played quite well,” said Carpinteria head coach John Ward, who said the score didn’t reflect the competitiveness. “We played even with them except for a two minute stretch.”
That rough patch came in the second quarter, when Carpinteria turned the ball over on four straight possessions and allowed Oaks Christian to turn an 11-11 game after the first quarter into a 13-point halftime lead.
Manny Rodriguez led the Warriors with 17 points and six rebounds. The forward was also a perfect 8-for-8 from the line. Justin Alvarado posted 11 points and seven rebounds.
Nathan Saito and James Kono did an excellent job of shutting down the Lions’ All-CIF player in Tyler McGrath. But 6-foot-5 senior forward Jules Sharpe picked up the slack, netting 16 for Oaks (17-2, 5-0 TVL).
The Warriors (13-7, 2-3 TVL) take a week off to focus on finals and return to the hardwood on Friday night with a home game against Malibu.
OAKS CHRISTIAN 68, CARPINTERIA 50
CARPINTERIA -Saito 6, Alvarado 11, Craddock 2, Kono 1, Lusterio 9, Cervantes 4, Rodriguez 17. Totals – 16, 12-18, 50.
OAKS CHRISTIAN – Hange 12, Ghiliarducci 7, Bryan 1, Owofu 5, McGrath 13, Sharpe 16, Van Der Wall 10, Roach 4. Totals – 30, 5-11, 68.
Carpinteria 11 12 12 15 – 50
Oaks Christian 11 25 12 20 – 68
3-Pointers – C 6 (Saito 2, Lusterio 2, Alvarado, Rodriguez), OC 3 (Hange, McGrath, Sharpe). Total Fouls – C 12, OC 18. Foul Outs – None. Records – OC 18-2, 5-0. C 13-7, 2-3 TVL.
