Broncos take 3rd in tournament
Corona Del Sol 53
Brophy 47
By Justin Janssen ’11
THE ROUNDUP
The Corona Del Sol Aztecs are no stranger to success in the McClintock Holliday Shootout.
In 2008, the Aztecs defeated Brophy in this tournament’s championship game, and last year Corona Del Sol advanced to the semifinals.
Early in the game, Dec. 29 at McClintock High School, Brophy looked poised to knock off Corona Del Sol; they built an 11 point lead at the half.
James Harper ’12 returned from an ankle injury suffered Dec. 7 against Salpointe Catholic.
Harper led Brophy with 10 points highlighted by two slam dunks.
In the second quarter Michael Hauser ’13 provided a spark off the bench.
Hauser scored all eight of his points in the period, which matched Corona Del Sol’s point total for the quarter.
Brophy led by as many as 14 points in the quarter, but the Broncos saw their lead vanish in the second half.
The Aztecs adjusted in the third quarter by using a full-court press, forcing a slew of Brophy turnovers.
Corona Del Sol started the third quarter on a 15-5 run cutting Brophy’s lead to 35-34 late in the quarter.
Corona took their first lead with 4:20 remaining in the game (42-41); they would not relinquish their lead.
The Aztecs outscored Brophy 19-8 in the decisive fourth quarter and 34-17 in the second half.
Brophy didn’t have an answer for Corona’s big men, Andrus Peat and Avery Moss.
Peat is also a highly-touted football recruit playing on the offensive line. He collected four offensive rebounds in the first half.
“No. 50 (Moss) had the game of his life,” said Chris Pierre ’11.
Pierre, who celebrated his 18th birthday Dec. 29, and Sai Tummala ’11 each scored nine points for Brophy.
Fred Gammage ’12 scored seven points, dished out four assists, and had four steals.
Rodrigo Furtado ’11 amassed 10 rebounds before fouling out with 18 seconds remaining in the game.
Following the loss to Corona, Brophy salvaged a third place finish Thursday, Dec. 30 with a 66-65 win in overtime against Chandler Basha.
After the tournament concludes and winter break is over, the Broncos will play at defending 5A-I champions North High Jan. 4.
