EMPIRE LEAGUE BASKETBALL ROUNDUP : Cunningham Scores 28 for Los Alamitos

Jason Cunningham’s 12-point burst late in the third quarter led Los Alamitos over El Dorado, 84-60, in Empire League basketball Friday at Los Alamitos High.

Los Alamitos led, 44-40, when Cunningham scored eight consecutive points over a span of 1 minute 30 seconds to give the Griffins a 52-40 lead. For the night, Cunningham scored 28 points (11 of 24 field goals, six of nine from the line) and had five assists.

“The (third-quarter) streak did it for us. I really have to credit the guys for getting me the ball,” Cunningham said.

The Griffins, ninth-ranked in the county, improved to 14-8, 6-0 in league.

Said Los Alamitos Coach Steve Brooks: “We did a better job of getting the ball inside to Jason and Brian (Kadlac) in the second half, and Jason really dominated the boards (21 rebounds).”

Cunningham praised Kadlac, who scored 15 points and had 11 rebounds in his first league start.

“Brian was a big key. He finally stepped up and put his 6-foot, 8-inch height to work and he played real good. I’m proud of him,” Cunningham said.

Mike Johnson scored 15 points for El Dorado (11-10, 2-4). His second three-pointer followed by a field goal with 4:44 left in the second quarter gave the Golden Hawks their first lead of the game, 20-19. After a 10-point Cunningham-Kadlac streak that put Los Alamitos ahead, 31-22, El Dorado scored six consecutive points to trail by three, 31-28, at halftime.

In other league games:

Cypress 63, Loara 38--The Centurions’ second-half zone press held the Saxons scoreless in the third quarter as Cypress (9-11, 2-4) outscored host Loara, 39-10 in the second half.

Cypress’ Vince Laguana scored 12 of his 22 points in the fourth quarter.

Scott Davis had 12 for Loara (4-15, 0-6).

Two players on each team were ejected in the first half for fighting.

Esperanza 62, Katella 47--Matt Kordik scored 20 points and Randy Wilson added 14 for visiting Esperanza (12-10, 5-1).