CaliforniaPreps.com - Mitty holds off Crusaders

March 13, 2013

Aaron Gordon led Mitty past Modesto Christian in a 58-54 victory on Tuesday. It was Gordon's final game on the Mitty home floor as the senior left a lasting legacy in a Monarch uniform.

The Monarchs opened the game on a 9-0 run and never surrendered the lead; however, the game was much closer than it may have seemed. Modesto Christian hung around the entire night, but was never able to put together a major run. The Crusaders narrowed the lead to 52-51 with under a minute left, but a three pointer by Connor Peterson sealed the Mitty win.

Ironically, it was Mitty that thrived in transition early. As the game slowed down, Mitty remained in control with half-court sets. Pacific-bound senior Thomas Wallace did his best to keep the Crusaders in it, but Mitty kept hitting clutch shots and never opened the door for a Crusader run.

Gordon was instrumental in another Mitty victory with 17 points, 13 rebounds, and six assists. He seemed to get any shot he wanted, which was highlighted by a huge dunk after he escaped a double team with a spin move. Oregon was in the gym to watch the McDonald's All-American.

Peterson was another key contributor for the Monarchs with 16 points. He has vastly improved as a point guard during the playoff run and continues to impress with his outside game. The junior had two three-pointers including the clincher. Santa Clara and the University of San Francisco were in attendance, likely to see Peterson. Senior Brandon Farrell was the final Mitty player in double-figures with 13 points.

Wallace was the game's leading scorer with 22 points. He slashed to the basket on numerous occasions for contested lay-ins and also knocked down a pair of threes. The University of Pacific, which was in attendance on Tuesday, added a quality scorer in Wallace. The 6-foot-4 shooting guard could add more of a mid-range game, but looks to be a steal for UOP. He also grabbed five rebounds to further show his toughness.

Fellow Pacific signee and Modesto Christian teammate Raymond Bowles finished with nine points and seven rebounds. The 6-foot-5 senior tried to slash to the basket against a longer Gordon but had trouble at times. If he could add an outside game to stretch the defense it could open up lanes to penetrate.

Sophomore Anthony Townes should be the top returning player for the Crusaders next season. He finished with 16 points and eight rebounds in the post. Townes was most effective with a hook shot over his left shoulder. At 6-foot-6, he may need to add a couple more inches to be considered a true post prospect, but the long armed Townes had few problems against Mitty.

Mitty will now face Sheldon in the NorCal Open Division Finals on Saturday. The game will take place at 8:00 PM at the Sleep Train Area in Sacramento. Mitty defeated Sheldon 71-65 on December 8th, although the Huskies were without D'Erryl Williams and Darin Johnson. It should make for another intriguing matchup in the newly implemented Open Division.

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