The opening matchup of the Pioneer Hoops Showdown at Providence High School featured the Rolling Hills Prep Huskies and Cal Lutheran C-Hawks in a competitive back and forth first half.
Rolling Hills Prep junior guard Eric Ambrose had 12 first half points to lead the Huskies to a 28-26 halftime advantage.
Cal Lutheran senior big man Ryan Smith has kept the C-Hawks in the game with his dominant interior play.
Ambrose continued his stellar play in the second half as the Huskies jumped out to a 43-30 lead with three minutes left in the third quarter. The junior cashed in every take to the hoop demonstrating great body control and finishing ability.
Senior swingman Aron Rudd and sophomore center Jimbo Lull also made key contributions for the Huskies.
In the pivotal third quarter, Rolling Hills Prep outscored Cal Lutheran 23-9 to take a commanding 51-35 lead to the final frame.
The C-Hawks came out fighting in the fourth but the Huskies were up to the challenge and were able to thwart the rally.
Junior Eric Ambrose finished with 22 points and was named CLA Player of the Game as well as the Gatorade Player of the Game.
CLA caught up with Ambrose after the game to see what made the difference in the second half
"Coach just told us to pick up the energy and make sure we finish lay-ups and close out on shooters," said Ambrose.
Rolling Hills Prep pulled out a 62-48 victory to take the opening game of the Pioneer Hoops Showdown.
Game 2: Traders Point Christian Academy vs. Sylmar
The second game at the Pioneer Hoops Showdown at Providence featured the lone out of state participant, Traders Point Christian Academy from Indiana against the Sylmar Spartans.
Traders Point rolls into the contest with an 11-3 record while Sylmar sports a record of 9-10.
Senior guard Larry Williams got the Spartans off to a good start but Traders Point responded with solid play from guard Nick Young.
With Young scoring and facilitating, Traders Point stormed ahead to an 20-10 lead after the first quarter.
Sylmar senior guard Travis Moore got the Spartans back in the game with a few jumpers. Sylmar cut the deficit to 31-27 heading into halftime.
Both teams brought maximum effort in the third quarter as both teams exchanged buckets.
Traders Point shot the ball well from downtown, particularly Christian Sikoski, who had seven three pointers through three quarters of play. The excellent long range shooting from Sikoski gave Traders Point a 50-39 advantage.
Sylmar had difficulty containing Traders Point size on the interior and perimeter marksmanship.
Sikoski continued his hot shooting in the fourth quarter with his eighth three but Sylmar forged a rally to cut the deficit to 57-51 with three minutes to play.
Sikoski got an offensive rebound and put back to push the lead to 59-51. Traders Point guard Nick Young was assessed a technical foul that allowed the Spartans to get back in the game.
Traders Point held a 59-53 advantage with 90 seconds remaining.
Cody Rodino hit a clutch three to cut the lead in half at 59-56 but the Spartans comeback attempt fell short as Traders Point secured a 60-59 victory.
CLA caught up with CLA and Gatorade Player of the Game Christian Sikoski after the game to get his thoughts on his impressive performance.
"I'm a shooter, that's what I do. The point guard found me in good spots and I knocked them down. I felt good out there," said Sikoski. Christian Sikoski finished the game with 26 points and 10 rebounds for Traders Point.
