SONORA BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT : Campbell Joins St. Clair in Leading Sonora to Title

A year ago, when you talked about Sonora’s basketball team, the conversation rarely got past high-scoring guard Chris St. Clair.

Century found out Friday night there’s much more than St. Clair to consider this season.

With 6-foot-8 center Chris Campbell ruling the middle, the Raiders stopped visiting Century, 61-49, in the title game of the Sonora Cage Classic.

Campbell grabbed 12 rebounds, blocked six shots and tipped many others, while St. Clair gunned for a game-high 20 points.

“It’s always been ‘The Chris St. Clair Show’ here,” said Sonora Coach Mike Murphy, whose team is off to a 7-2 start after going 15-10 last season. “Now we are more complete.

“Campbell used to always get into foul trouble. When he’s on the floor for four quarters, he can dominate.”

Actually, Campbell did foul out late in Friday night’s game. But his defensive play and 13 points were enough to help dump Century (5-2).

“He did a great job,” said Century Coach Greg Combs, whose team was led by Hector Negrete with 17 points. “They have a big man and a great guard. They are a solid team.”

Considered a team player, Campbell said he’s content to play defense and watch St. Clair score.

“Defense, that’s my job,” said Campbell. “I’ll do anything to help us win.”

Although the Raiders never trailed after taking the lead midway through the first quarter, they weren’t able to shake Century altogether until the final two minutes. Shortly after they did, Murphy was rewarded with a water bottle dousing.

“I guess it’s big for us to win this,” Murphy said.

In the third-place game:

Whittier Christian 63, Troy 60--Kwadwo Boachie led a balanced attack with 15 points to help Whittier Christian (2-5) hold off Troy. Gregg Abbott and Matt Cardillo each scored 21 points to lead Troy.