The Griffin Boy’s basketball team has been on a scoring rampage the past three games averaging 73 points per game.
The traveling Griffins easily outscored the Fountain Valley Barons, 73-52, with the usual top Griffin scorers of James Walker III (24 points), Timmy Chung (20 points), and Jack Haley (8 points). The Griffins out hustled the Barons in every aspect of the game as well as minimizing turnovers and playing good defense.
Then, the Griffins traveled to Newport Harbor, where they stifled the Sailors 72-48. Top scorers were James Walker III (22 points), Jack Haley (19 points), and Tim Chung (8 points). The Griffins played great zone defense and forced the Sailors to turn the ball over 12 times. One of the best parts was that all Griffin players (14 players) were able to participate and compete in the game.
Junior forward, Haven Fielding, woke the crowd up with a three-point basket to close out the quarter.
And, as the Griffins finished up at Newport Harbor Friday night, it was a short night of sleep, as the next day the Griffins played in the “NIKE High School Extravaganza” at Mater Dei High School taking on the Upland Highlanders.
This prestigious and highly competitive event is “invitation only” and demonstrates the respect the Griffin program represents.
The Highlanders record was nearly identical to the Griffins and both teams may play each other again in CIF playoffs. The Highlanders opened up with a pair of three pointers, and senior Griffin guard, Timmy Chung came firing back with a trio of three point scores; it appeared that this game was going to be a three point shoot out. The Griffins poured on some solid, aggressive zone defense that stopped the Highlanders cold. The Griffin scoring machine, once again headed up by James Walker III (23 points), Cameron Crocker (21 points), Jack Haley (13 points), and Timmy Chung (12 points) were all in synch; and best of all they were all playing outstanding defense.
The Griffins beat the Highlanders 73-57.
After winning the game, the Griffin coaching staff and team were honored and pleasantly surprised when Steve Kerr, GM of the Phoenix Suns and former NBA player, and Jack Haley, former NBA player, took a few moments and congratulated the team on their win.
Kerr was complimentary to the team for passing, defense, and scoring ability. Kerr’s son was also participating in the tournament.
Big Jack Haley said some positive words about “blocking out” and team rebounding.
The Griffins are 19-6 overall and 7-1 in Sunset League.
The Griffins complete league play with games against Esperanza and Marina. CIF playoffs begin next week. You can follow the Griffins by checking www.cifss.org.
