San Marcos’ boys basketball team captured the Coast Union Tournament title on Saturday, beating the team that took the title from them last year.
The Royals avenged last year’s loss to Santa Fe Christian with a 61-52 victory in the championship game.
JP Dodson was named tournament MVP and Christian Mkpado was named to the all-tournament team despite having his play curtailed on Saturday due to illness.
“(JP) did a great job of controlling our offense,” said head coach Jarrod Bradley, who has his team off to a 7-2 start and a No. 8 Div. III-A ranking according to MaxPreps.
Chad Ridenour and Johnny Manzo posted game-highs in scoring against Santa Fe Christian with 13 each. Dodson tallied 11 while Mkpado raked in 12 rebounds.
Mkpado finished off a fine defensive team game by the Royals by drawing two charges in the fourth quarter. Manzo also came through, scoring 12-of-his-13 in the final two quarters.
“It just seems like it’s gotten better every game,” Bradley said of his defense, which disrupted SFC’s good 3-point shooters into a 9-for-40 night.
The effort allowed the Royals to take the inside track by winning the third quarter 15-5.
The Royals defeated Morro Bay 63-20 in the semifinals behind another strong defensive showing. The Pirates managed only four points in the second half, all on free throws.
Bennie Kirkwood started the game in place of Mkpado and responded with his second straight game with a career high. He totaled 13 points and six rebounds.
San Marcos is on the road Tuesday at Arroyo Grande and returns to the Thunderhut on Thursday for a matchup with Lompoc.
