Boys’ basketball: Redondo earns trip to Sacramento with near-perfect execution

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There’s debate about what was more impressive: the bright red bow tie worn by Redondo Coach Reggie Morris Jr. or the execution of a game plan that helped the Sea Hawks defeat Riverside North, 60-48, in the CIF Southern California Division II championship game.

Redondo used a 2-3 zone defense and full-court press that produced 23 turnovers and helped cause North to shoot 26.8% from the field for the game. Redondo made six of 13 shots from three-point range to earn a trip to Sacramento and play Pleasant Hill College Park in Saturday’s 4 p.m. state Division II final. College Park won in overtime (see video below)

It’s a remarkable turnaround orchestrated by Morris, a first-year coach who has directed three different programs to section titles. Redondo (27-8) was 10-17 last season.

‘These guys are amazing,’ Morris said. ‘They play hard. They fight. The game plan was to take away the paint for the majority of the game. We did that.’

Leading the way on Saturday were senior guard Derek Biale, who scored 15 points, senior Chris Henderson, who has 12 points, and junior Ian Fox, who scored 10. Freshman Leland Green had eight points in the first half when Redondo led, 31-21.

‘This is the greatest feeling of my life, a dream come true,’ Fox said.

Deshon Taylor led North (31-4) with 11 points and Dorian Butler had 10.

-- Eric Sondheimer