SBCC’s Tommy Walker puts up a jump shot over a Victor Valley defender during the final of the SBCC Classic. Walker scored 23 points. (Ken Sciallo photo)
Steve Evans broke a 44-all tie with back-to-back 3-pointers on Saturday night and Victor Valley went on to defeat SBCC 76-68 to claim the championship of the 42nd annual SBCC Classic in the Sports Pavilion.
The Rams (9-6) hit 11-of-29 from long range and outscored the Vaqueros 33-18 from the 3-point line. They were also efficient on free throws, making 13-16 compared to 10-18 for the home team.
The loss snapped a four-game win streak by the Vaqueros (4-5) and dropped them to 4-1 at home. SBCC, which was making its first appearance in a Classic final since 2007, has won its own tournament eight times and finished second on eight occasions.
Center Tommy Walker led the Vaqueros with a season-high 23 points and nine rebounds. The 6-7 sophomore from Aliso Viejo knocked down 10 of 16 shots.
“Tommy had a good game; we couldn’t get it to him enough,” said SBCC coach Morris Hodges. “He had a little height advantage and was able to take advantage of that.”
Sean Keyes added 13 points, including a trio of triples, and Alonzo McCain had 12 points and six assists. Alex Koutroubis grabbed eight rebounds and Jon Montez had six.
Evans led five Rams in double figures with 19 points and drained 5-11 from 3-point land. He also had six rebounds and four assists. His two straight 3’s in the second half ignited a 14-5 run that gave the Rams a 58-49 lead with 11:52 to play.
SBCC never got closer than five the rest of the way.
Tournament MVP James Tonic scored 18 points for Victor Valley on 7-11 shooting while Deshawn Hayes had a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Kimani Lane, the No. 7 scorer in the state at 21.5 per game, also had 11.
Evans made the all-tournament team along with Walker and McCain of SBCC, Lavell White of Hancock and Chris Porter of Irvine Valley.
