Third Time's the Charm as Rancho Christian Bests St Bernard 73-57 to Capture CIF Title

SANTA ANA – The third time was the charm, as the Rancho Christian boys’ basketball team was finally able to best St. Bernard of Playa Del Rey to claim the CIF Division 5A championship 73-57 Saturday night.

The win was the first divisional championship for the Eagles in any sports and for any high school in the Temecula Valley area.

St. Bernard’s defeated the Eagles in last year’s championship game 60-56, and also earlier this year 76-59.

“Every game we play is different,” Rancho Christian head coach Ray Barefield said. “This game we were able to get a good feel of what they were doing and we were able to fight through the momentum shifts.”

Freshman Isaiah Mobley led four Eagles in double figures, tallying a double-double (19 points, 16 rebounds, three steals).

Trailing through most of the first half, but Rancho Christian was able to push ahead to take the 32-28 halftime lead. Jamal Brower hit three free throws to make it 27-22.

The Vikings, however would not go away, as they were led by leading scorer Adam Ammanuel who hit consecutive 3 pointers and converted a four-point play to give St. Bernards the 52-51 lead and seemingly the momentum at the time.

Ammanuel finished with a game high 23 points, while Julian Ross chipped in 12 points, and Kaylan Mann added nine points for the Vikings who finished 15-16.

Mobley and Brower led the fourth quarter push, in which they Eagles outscored St. Bernard’s 22-5, running a zone and taking away outside shots that fell for the Vikings in the first half.

“Perseverance” Mobley attested to the team’s success in the game and in the season. “It’s what we talk about all year: get through it, get over the hump. Get the rebounds and capitalize on opportunities.”

Brower added 18 points for the Eagles who finished 20-11. Trace Redfield added 15 points and six rebounds, while Solomon Davis pitched in 13 points and six rebounds.

“They have a very good team, St Bernard does,” Barefield said. ““They play hard-nosed and have been battle-tested. It’s a testament to our kids to overcome that adversity like they did.”

The Eagles received the third seed in the state tournament now have their sights set on O’Farrell, the San Diego Section Division 5 champions. Tipoff is Wednesday at 7pm

Photo: Greg Walter (Middle, holding t shirt) celebrates the team's first CIF Division title in any sport in school history.