Sacramento, Ca – When the lights are bright prime time players know how to find the spot light. The California State Boys Basketball Championships was the stage this weekend at the Golden 1 Center.
Crossroads’ Shareef O’Neal had a monster game with 29 points, pulling down 17 rebounds and 5 blocked shots in 59-53 victory over Alameda on Friday March 23, 2018.
It took a team effort and some missed free throws by Alameda to give Crossroads their first state title since 1997.
Alameda started out the game fast and took the earlier lead in the first quarter, but once Crossroads settled down the game was full of excitement.
“These guys found a rhythm,” said Crossroads coach Anthony Davis, “We knew our defense would lead us.”
Once the fourth and final quarter began Crossroads held 44-40 lead over Alameda.
What could have been will forever be on Alameda’s players and coaches minds after only shooting 48% from the free throw line.
“The difference in these close games, is who makes free throws and who doesn’t,” said Alameda coach Cameron Quick.
They really had no answer for O’Neal who dominated with his height in tight match up. They fans saw countless dunks and blocks for a highlight reel.
“A good thing about us is we always get calm when the game gets close,” said O’Neal, “Sometimes it’s not like how we planned it. But winning this is all that matters.”
Final Records: Crossroads (25-9) / Alameda (28-6)
