PREP BASKETBALL / SUMMER ALL-STAR CLASSIC : County Team Stands Tall in Victory Over San Diego

With San Diego County missing 6-foot-11 center Jelani McCoy of St. Augustine High, Orange County’s tall lineup appeared even taller.

However, it was a sharp-shooting backcourt that lifted Orange County to a 107-99 victory over visiting San Diego County in the third Summer All-Star Classic Saturday at Orange Coast College.

McCoy, who is considered the most athletic big player to come out of San Diego County and is bound for UCLA, chose to play in another all-star game at the Boston Garden.

“I was kind of disappointed because I’d looked forward to playing against him,” said Craig Clark, Sonora’s 7-foot center. “I kept looking for him to come out of the locker room during warm-ups.”

Clark was hoping to show McCoy the improvements he’s made in his game since the two last met nearly two years ago. “He got the better of me the last time we played,” Clark said.

Ashante Jones of Scripps-Ranch made up for some of McCoy’s missing points by scoring a game-high 26, but San Diego County lacked the depth to contend with its neighbors to the north.

Guards Doug Gottlieb, Jeff Sand and Clay McKnight each scored in double figures and 6-4 forward LaByron Clayton led Orange County with 16 points.

“These all-star games usually have a lot of running, so it’s not surprising to see guards dominate the scoring,” said Gottlieb, who passed up a chance to play at the Boston Garden in order to play before his friends and family in his last high school game.

Gottlieb scored six of his 14 points in the first quarter, but it was two assists that put his team on a roll.

Trailing, 13-12, Gottlieb got a rebound, found Sand breaking the other way and hit him with a perfect full-court pass that Sand laid in for a one-point lead.

After a turnover, Gottlieb and Sand then broke off on a two-on-one and the Tustin graduate fed Sand with a behind-the-back pass. Sand made the layup, was fouled and made the free throw to give Orange County a 17-13 lead.

McKnight then scored eight of his 13 points in the second quarter as Orange County built a 55-43 lead at the half.

The second half belonged to Clark, who scored 12 of his 14 points, and Clayton, who scored 10. Mark Seaton added 12 points for Orange County and Damion Raibon scored 10.