State Division I Championship:

Chino Hills Huskies 73, Las Lomas Knights 68

SACRAMENTO – The Chino Hills Huskies started with a bang and held on late to defeat the Las Lomas Knights 73-68 for the Division I state championship Friday evening at the Golden Center.

Chino Hills, who led the entire game, was up 23-9 after one quarter and 44-29 at the half.

But the Knights cut it 57-48 after three quarters and did mount a threat in the final period.

Chino Hills’ poor foul shooting in the second half, 10-19 (52%), gave Las Lomas a chance. But the Huskies held on to win the big prize that many thought was impossible.

Chino Hills finished the season at 26-11 after starting out 4-6. They won their last eleven in a row.

This is their second title among three finals appearances in the last four years. Las Lomas ends the year at 31-4 after making its first title game appearance ever.

The difference in this game was the big O, Chino Hills all-everything junior Onyeka Okongwu. He had 27 points, 14 rebounds, 5 blocks and 3 assists.

And his defensive presence in the lane severely limited chances for Las Lomas to get to the basket.

Okongwu said, “We played with a lot of energy and did what we had to do,” when asked what the difference was.

Chino Hills head coach Dennis Latimore said “the guys just united” was the key to victory. And he was quick to add that, “We are more than just one individual.”

Latimore was asked if he felt his team silenced the critics. He replied that he occasionally uses that concept as motivation for his team.

But he stated he normally takes another approach with his team. “It’s all about us,” he often tells his team. “We have to prove ourselves right (instead of others wrong) and that’s what we did (tonight).”

Okongwu was asked if he felt the Huskies silenced the critics. He replied, “Yes.” Well said…

Scoring Totals:

Chino Hills (73): Andre Ball 17, Nicholas Manor-Hall 9, Onyeka Okongwu 27, Ofure Ujadughele 20

Las Lomas (68): Blake Thorpe 1, Devin Payne 5, Robert Prince 24, Jason Holman 6, Nathan Robinson 18, Homer Kravets 2, JT Estes 12