Prep Basketball : Empire League Roundup : El Dorado Feels Like Celebrating Again, 94-76 : Fas Golden Hawks’ 12th Victory in a Row Clinches Title

El Dorado High School High celebrated the clinching of the Empire League championship in a big way Friday night by scoring 94 points, cutting down the nets and even tossing Coach Wayne Carlson into the swimming pool.

The 12th consecutive victory for El Dorado was vintage fast-break basketball as the Golden Hawks raced to a 94-76 decision over Los Alamitos to gain its first league title since 1985.

El Dorado (18-4, 8-0) opened a 34-16 lead with 6:09 remaining in the first half and only a strong finish by Los Alamitos kept the game close. Guard Mike Renaud scored 21 of his game-high 31 points in the first half and Los Alamitos (10-13, 5-3) never recovered.

It marked the eighth time this season El Dorado has scored 80 or more points and that suited a soaking-wet Carlson just fine.

“Running has been our game all year,” Carlson said. “That’s the way I felt we had to play from the very start of the season. We’re a quick team that plays with a lot of intensity, and our intensity took its toll tonight.”

Renaud might be the best-kept secret in Orange County. The three-year starter made 14 of 20 shots from long distance and had several steals that led to easy baskets. He scored twice in a matter of seconds in the second quarter to push El Dorado ahead, 34-16.

“They shoot the ball well and have great balance,” said Steve Brooks, Los Alamitos coach. “I told everyone before the season that they were the team to beat in this league. They’re a very good team.”

How good? El Dorado has a pair of very good shooters--Renaud and Mike Bradach--and an inside enforcer, Matt Luke, who keeps opponents honest with his rebounding and defensive play.

“There’s no accounting for that experience they have, and they put the emphasis on the word ‘team,’ ” said Brooks, who has watched El Dorado score a season-high 94 points against his team twice this year. “We certainly don’t match up very well with them.”

There was some consolation for Los Alamitos, however. Junior center Robert Conlisk scored 27 points and had 13 rebounds and continued to give every indication that he’s going to be a big-time player next season.

Esperanza 64, Katella 46--Moose Pope scored 28 points and Joe Foss added 16 points as Esperanza (8-14, 2-6) won its second consecutive game after going winless in its opening six league games. Pope scored 45 points for the week.

The game between Cypress and Loara was postponed Friday because of a leak in the Cypress gymnasium roof. The game will be played Monday at Cypress at 7:30 p.m.