Jason Cunningham

School: Los Alamitos High Sport: Basketball Position: Forward Class: Junior

It was showdown week for Los Alamitos with games against Esperanza and Katella, the two teams that were challenging the Griffins for the Empire League title. Largely because of Cunningham’s play, Esperanza and Katella are challengers no more. Cunningham, a 6-foot-4 wing who was a first-team all-Empire League selection as a sophomore last season, had 12 points and nine rebounds as the Griffin starters all scored in double figures in a 71-67 victory over Esperanza. Against Katella, Cunningham had 28 points and a career-high 20 rebounds to help Los Alamitos (16-6, 7-0 in league) win, 75-71, and clinch at least a tie for the league championship. “He was absolutely awesome on the boards against Katella,” Los Alamitos Coach Steve Brooks said. “He’s an explosive and quick jumper. And for some reason, he seemed to jump extremely well Friday night.”

Other top performers:

J.J. Ballesteros, who made 10 of 12 shots and scored a career-high 27 points in Mater Dei’s 68-44 victory over Servite.

Brandon Jessie, who had 31 points and 23 rebounds as Edison defeated Huntington Beach, 84-65, and 33 points in a 71-52 victory over Fountain Valley.

Frank Madrid, who scored 27 points and made 12 of 12 free throws in Anaheim’s 70-64 victory over fourth-ranked Western and 17 points in a 65-63 victory over Magnolia.

Raul Ruiz, who scored two goals in the last 12 minutes of Buena Park’s 2-1 upset of Sunny Hills in soccer.