Pasadena Ousted by Okongwu, Chino Hills

Tavian Percy scored 16 for Pasadena including two on this jam. (Photo by Duane Barker).

By Tim Peterson

(Glendora) – Oneyka Okongwu scored 38 points to carry Chino Hills to a 72-56 win over Pasadena Saturday night in the CIF Division 1 Championship game at Felix Event Center.

Okongwu had an answer for every Pasadena run with a dominant post game that left the Bulldogs frustrated. He scored 22 of those 38 in the second half including 14 in the fourth quarter. Okongwu was a remarkable 18 of 20 from the field, with most of his shots coming from right underneath the basket on post moves or dunks.

“We had a plan to double him but they really didn’t run any offense. He probably got two-thirds of his points just sitting underneath the basket and getting an offensive rebound,” said Pasadena Coach Tony Brooks. “So when you don’t have anyone that’s boxing him out it’s a tough task to keep him off the rim. I didn’t think they ran anything great as far as offense, it’s just that he’s a beast inside and we had no answers for him.”

Pasadena led 14-12 after one as Bryce Hamilton and Darius Mason both hit threes. But Okongwu had a big second quarter scoring ten points inside including a couple of vicious jams as the Huskies took a 31-27 halftime advantage.

Okongwu had 16 in the first half and Ofure Ujadughele had 10. Tavian Percy had 10 for the Bulldogs in the first half as he buried a pair of treys in the second quarter and Bryce Hamilton scored seven for Pasadena.

Bryce Hamilton led the Bulldogs with 22 points. (Photo by Duane Barker).

Okongwu added ten more in the third as Chino Hills outscored the Bulldogs 21-16 the quarter to take a 52-43 lead through three.

Twice in the fourth quarter Pasadena cut the lead to to eight but every time the Dogs got close the Huskies went right back to Okongwu and he delivered. Ofure Ujadughele finished with 16 for Chino Hills but no other player for the Huskies was in double figures.

Hamilton took scoring honors for Pasadena with 22 points and nine rebounds. Percy had 16 with four from beyond the arc and Darius Brown II added ten.

Chino Hills outrebounded Pasadena 43-19 with Okongwu grabbing 14 of the 43.

Despite the loss, Pasadena’s season isn’t over yet. “We’ll see how we do in State. We’re a resilient bunch,” Brooks said.

Chino Hills will also continue its season in the State Tournament.

3 Comments to "Pasadena Ousted by Okongwu, Chino Hills"

  1. RAMS FAN's Gravatar RAMS FAN
    March 6, 2018 - 11:00 am | Permalink

    @Charly
    I always try to be a careful reader to make sure I understand the comments and how they relate to the story. But Charly, I don’t get it. How do your Huskies relate to Pasadena and Chino Hills basketball? Are they Alum? lol

  2. March 6, 2018 - 12:27 am | Permalink

    I think that sweet face just stole your heart! Yes, our Huskies sure are part of our family. And I think they all believe they are kids (even thought they are all now “seniors with three at 10 and one almost 13!) I grew up with dogs, cats, horses, a bull and a fox, rabbits, ducks, 77 baby chicks, you name it! Even my one horse used to come up our back porch steps to get treats from us!

  3. Captain's Gravatar Captain
    March 4, 2018 - 6:54 am | Permalink

    Don’t forget, UCLA swept u$c in basketball last night. Go Bruins!

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