With the game tied, 51-51, and 5:20 left in the game, Jordan Schakel drained an off-balance three, followed by two consecutive three-pointers. Schakel would go on to score 15 points in the fourth quarter to help Bishop Montgomery beat Sierra Canyon, 70-63, in the CIF Southern Section Open Division semifinals on Friday at the Galen Center.
“He missed some shots early but he stayed aggressive,” Bishop Montgomery coach Doug Mitchell said. “We played all year for this moment.”
The upset win propels the Knights to the CIF Southern Section Open Division final against Mater Dei at the Honda Center on March 4.
Ethan Thompson led Bishop Montgomery with 21 points while David Singleton added 11 points.
Bishop Montgomery returned all five starters from last years team who lost to Sierra Canyon in the semifinals. They looked more than ready for this game as the Knights jumped out to a 13-2 lead early in the first quarter.
“Coach stressed getting defensive rebounds and stops,” Thompson said. “We just came out and did our job.”
Sierra Canyon took 43-41 lead in the third quarter after a three by Marvin Bagley III. Bagley would finish with 28 points despite struggling early. The Trailblazers went on a 13-0 run in the third quarter but the fourth quarter was all Bishop Montgomery.
“I’m proud of the whole team,” Mitchell said. “They did a great job.”
