Following a bounce-back win over Cypress, the Cubs began the El Rancho Tournament against the Wilson High School Wildcats.
The Cubs stormed out of the gates with a fantastic defensive effort, jumping out to an 11-2 lead. Parker Jones blocked a top-of-the-key three from Wilson with 6:20 left in the quarter. The Cubs were also clicking on the offensive end, with Hugh Vandeweghe and Jonas de Krassel combining for ten points in the opening period. The Cubs led 18-8 at the end of the first.
In the second quarter, Loyola’s aggressive offense continued, with Matthias Wagner and Jeric Calleja each getting steals and layups, helping the Cubs build a 12-point lead. Wagner scored six of the Cubs’ 10 points that period, and Loyola entered the locker room with a 28-23 lead at halftime.
The second half began with an electrifying performance from Parker Jones, who erupted for 13 points in the third quarter. He also tallied another block, his third of the game, preventing a second-chance opportunity for the Wildcats after de Krassel blocked their previous layup attempt. Jones had three triples in the period, including one from near the logo that gave the Cubs a 45-35 lead towards the end of the third quarter. Both teams failed to score at the end of that highlight, and the Cubs entered the fourth quarter looking to capitalize on their dominance in the third.
The final frame was an absolute offensive explosion from the Cubs. Jones knocked down his fourth three of the night to give the Cubs a 56-44 lead. They proceeded to go on a 9-0 run, which included a de Krassel steal and layup. The sophomore scored eight of the Cubs’ 21 points in the final frame.
Overall, the Cubs dominated from start to finish and beat Wilson 67-48 in their first game of the El Rancho Tournament.
Postgame
Jones led the team with 20 points. De Krassel finished the game with 15 points, and Wagner rounded out the top three scorers with 12. Wagner also had a team-high four rebounds.
The Next Game
The Cubs play Montebello High School in the second game of the tournament on Wednesday, December 1, at 7:00 PM.