3/28/2016
The De La Salle Spartans came into Saturday night’s state final as the underdogs against the top team in the nation. They battled against Chino Hills, but eventually, the Huskies ran free, as the three Ball brothers led their team to a 70-50 win and were named the 2016 Boys Open Division State Champions.
The Spartans rocketed off to a quick start, as their fast pace mixed with a slow Chino Hills start gave De La Salle a six-point lead after the first quarter. They were even able to hang on to a two-point lead at the half, but Lonzo, LeAngelo, and LaMelo Ball led the pack to a fiery third quarter, and by the time the fourth hit, the Huskies were off and running, making enough plays in those few minutes that could make up another team’s entire season highlight reel. LaMelo, the barely-14-year-old freshman, found Elijah Scott, Onyeka Okongwu, and his brothers for one open look after the other, as well as knocking out a few threes of his own. Lonzo brought the fireworks with steals, drives, and dunks, finishing his game with 15 points, 10 rebounds, five steals, and five assists. LeAngelo led the Huskies in points with 18, Scott followed with 16, and Okongwu had the other seven. All three Ball brothers logged a complete 32 minutes of game time. This state championship marks the only year they will play together, as Lonzo heads to UCLA in the fall.
For De La Salle, Jordan Ratinho led Spartan scorers with 16, while Nikhil Peters had 11 and Emeka Udenyi recorded a double-double with 11 points and rebounds.