In a battle between Northern California Division I champions the last four years, the Newark Memorial Cougars were able to impose their defensive pressure against the McClymonds Warriors to win 57-46. Newark lost the state title game in 2010 while Mack won one state title in the three attempts from 2007 to 2009.
In the first quarter, the scoring was sparse as the first score was with 5:43 left by Newark. The teams went back and forth with the Cougars taking a 10-9 lead at the end of the first. McClymonds scored the first basket of the second quarter to take an 11-10 lead but that would be the last time that the Warriors were winning. Newark would go on an 18-0 run to lead 28-11 before the Warriors scored the last basket of the half to trail 28-13. Newark's press and zone defense caused the Warriors to have no coherent offense.
The Cougars did not let up as they extended the lead to 47-23 at the end of the third quarter. Newark would then add on the first 8 points of the fourth quarter to take their biggest lead of 55-23. McClymonds did not give up entirely as they ran off 14 points to close to 55-37 and a 9-2 run to end the game at 57-46.
Notes
How this game was won: The Cougars have played good defense the entire season according to Coach Craig Ashmore. And this game was no different as they kept McClymonds to less than 10 points in each of the first three quarters.
Turning Point: McClymonds scored a field goal on their first and last possessions of the second quarter. Newark accounted for 18 points in between those two Warrior baskets. A combination of the Newark defense and the McClymonds offensive struggles caused the game to be decided before the half.
Missing in Action: McClymonds is missing their frontcourt. 6-foot-6 forward Dalvin Guy did not play due to Coach Brandon Brooks' decision. 6-foot-7 center Wendell Taise is still hurt and not expected till league play. 6-foot-9 center Jamaree Strickland is recuperating from a knee injury and expects to start basketball drills by next week. But Coach Brooks plans to ease up on the minutes for Strickland when he returns to game action in January.
Newark Memorial highlights: Junior Casey Norris and senior Kendall Andrews had 19 and 12 points respectively. Norris is back for his sixth game after having a left wrist injury. His shooting hand was working fine as he hit three 3-point shots and was 6 for 7 in his free throws. Andrews, who is getting looks as a tight end and linebacker for football, was able to get several layups with the depleted McClymonds frontcourt. The defense was intense for the first three quarters as the team let up a bit in the fourth quarter.
McClymonds highlights: Senior Barry Bell and junior Dulani Robinson had 14 points each. Bell showed a variety of offensive skills as he hit outside shots and drove to the basket. Robinson is a shifty point guard who had no trouble getting to the basket for either the layup or the assist. The players are learning how to play out of position and dealing with this current adversity before the regular interior players return.
What is next for Newark Memorial: The Cougars, now 5-3, head to sunnier Torrey Pines in San Diego for the Holiday Classic. Their first opponent is Taft High (Woodland Hills) who has highly-touted 6-foot-9 center Kevin Johnson. Depending on the results, they will have three more high profile games after that in the four game event. When the Cougars come back in the New Year, they should be ready for league play. Coach Ashmore wants to see his young team share the ball better on offense. He has two freshmen and one sophomore who are heavily used in his rotation. If the Cougars can grow up quickly, then another playoff run is possible.
What is next for McClymonds: At 4-5, McClymonds showed periods of consistent play. Coach Brooks wants the team to pick up the defense and the hustle. And he would like to see battle adversity better. He admits that the front line is thin due to injury but expects the existing roster to step up more. The Warriors still have Castro Valley and Jesuit before league play begins. By that time, the injured players should be back to give the Warriors to make a run in their league play.
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