Jagoda’s Strategic Positioning Pays Big Dividends for Crespi

The ball moved quickly between Crespi High players, but it always seemed to wind up in the hands of Marcin Jagoda beneath the basket.

Jagoda, sticking close to the baseline, scored 22 points and had 12 rebounds, and Crespi defeated Westlake, 64-57, on Wednesday night to claim third place in the Westlake tournament.

The victory capped a respectable tournament showing for Crespi (6-2), which lost to Lynwood, 50-49, in a semifinal game Tuesday, and Jagoda, a 6-foot-3 senior forward, who had 60 points and 32 rebounds in three games.

Jagoda, a part-time starter last season, was in double figures in each game.

Crespi led, 10-9, late in the first quarter before Jagoda had scored a point. Jagoda’s first six points helped the Celts to a 17-11 lead.

Jagoda scored seven consecutive points in the second quarter, helping the Celts to a 34-23 lead. Jagoda swished five of six free throws and might have scored 30 points if not for a handful of layups that rolled off the rim.

“If he makes his layups, he’ll get 30,” Crespi Coach Dick Dornan said.

Jagoda, Crespi’s only player to score in double figures, was aided by guard Blake Tibbets, who had eight assists.

“Our team revolves around rebounds and defense,” Jagoda said. “I’m just the guy who happens to be open.”

Westlake’s Jake DeGennarro got hot in the fourth quarter, making two three-point baskets and scoring 10 points.

DeGennarro scored all of his fourth-quarter points in a three-minute span and the Warriors (5-5) pulled to within 59-53 with two minutes to play.