Renaissance Academy Cagers Capture Third in Tourney

With three players scoring in double figures, the Renaissance Academy boys’ varsity basketball team was able to defeat Anaheim, 53-38, to take third place in the Long Beach St. Anthony High Tournament last Friday.

The Wildcats, who improved to 8-4, found themselves behind, 11-10, at the end of the first quarter against Anaheim, but that didn’t last for long. Renaissance went ahead, 26-21, at the half and upped its advantage to 41-25 after three quarters.

Justin Cook had a game-high 16 points. Teammates Archie Robb and Shane Jones both scored 14 points apiece.

Other scorers were Josh Thomas with five points and Hector Harold and Matt Raya with two points each.

In an earlier pool play contest last Thursday, Renaissance rolled over Los Angeles Pilgrim, 81-43.

The Wildcats jumped out to a big lead, 27-8, at the end of the first quarter and never relinquished it as they upped their advantage to 40-14 at the half and 62-28 after three quarters.

Cook topped all scorers with 23 points. Robb was next with 20 points. Harold followed with 14 points and Jones had 12 points.

Raya and Michael Green both scored five points each and Tremaine Tatum finished with two points.

In pool play action, on Dec. 28, Lawndale squeezed by Renaissance, 66-61.

The Wildcats chalked up another big score in the tournament on Dec. 27 by dropping Newport Beach Sage Hill, 82-40, in tournament pool play.

Renaissance led 27-18 at the end of the first quarter, 51-28 at the half and 71-38 after three quarters.

Cook led Renaissance with 23 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists and three steals. Robb added 20 points and four steals and Thomas contributed 12 points and six steals.

Others who contributed were Harold with 10 points, Jones with nine points, Raya with six points and J.J. Greff with two points.