Local Hoopsters Participate in Annual Prestigous Event with Mixed Results

GLENDORA – The Walnut and Diamond Bar High school boys’ basketball teams took time off its regular league schedule to participate in the annual California Shootout at Azusa Pacific University Saturday afternoon.

Both teams performed well, but with mixed results, with Walnut winning over San Dimas 54-49. Diamond Bar, however, drew a tough opponent in St John Bosco. Diamond Bar kept the game interesting in the first quarter before falling to the Braves 68-54.

Agassi Goantara led the way for the Mustangs (15-6), including a 3-pointer down the later parts of the game to seal the victory. Eli Ramos added 15 points for walnut.

“I was feeling great,” Goantara said of his 3-pointer. “When I shoot the ball I see it going in. I just got the ball and trusted my shot.”

Walnut led 28-26 at halftime and had to come from a 37-33 deficit in the third quarter. The Mustangs finally caught San Dimas at 42-42 when Ramos hit a 3-pointer with 4:46 remaining in the game. Goantara then hit his 3-pointer with 1:49 remaining to take the 50-47 lead.

“It’s a good win,” Goantara said. “We all knew it would be a tough game. But we played through it. We played good defense to get the (win).”

Diamond Bar 54, St John Bosco 68

Malik Corey had 20 points and Kelly Avery added 10 points, but it was not enough as the Brahmas fell to St. John Bosco.

Diamond Bar (14-7) trailed 23-22 at the end of the first, then the Braves went on a 11-4 run to lead 34-26 at the half. Bosco then continued where it left off, going on an 8-2 run to start the third quarter.

Makani Whiteside scored 16 points and Alpha Okoli and Tarrean Brown had 15 each for the Braves (13-9).

(Photo: Kelly Avery surveys the floor. He finished with 10 points against St John Bosco.)