By Ted Apodaca

The Los Alamitos High boys basketball team went 3-1 in the Corona del Mar Beach Bash Tournament, holding off Roosevelt High, 61-54, in their final game on Saturday.

The Griffins came out hot, taking a big lead in the first half. They led by as much as 25-2, but the Mustangs began to rally at the end of the half. In the second half, Roosevelt turned up the defensive pressure, and found their own shooting rythmn. They took a 49-47 lead, early in the third quarter, but the Griffins regrouped and rallied in the final five minutes to pull out the win. Griffin Head Coach Eddie Courtemarche said the way the team responded was a sign of growth for the young team.

“I was proud of our guys for fighting back and getting over that hump,” Courtemarche said.

Leading just 55-54, freshman Tyler Matthews had a spinning layup in the key, off a drive and dish assist from senior Micguire Monson, that started a 6-0 run to end the game.

Junior guards Kevin Kent and David Olcomendy led the way with 18 points each. Sophomore Everett May chipped in nine points. Kent was named to the all-tournament team.

The Griffins graduated their entire starting five from last year, so young players are getting a chance to develop a new team chemistry. Courtemarche said getting big contributions from young players in tough game situations can only help as the season progresses.

“At this point in our season, with the guys we have, that was big step in the right direction,” Courtemarche said.