Michael Oguine’s 26 points helped the Eagles get a big time win against league rival Crespi, 64-53, in the San Fernando Valley Tournament semifinals.
Crespi started the game on a 7-0 run, before Oguine scored on a layup to give Chaminade their first points. Oguine had 11 of Chaminade’s 14 points in the first quarter, and finished the half with 17 points.
Crespi came out with a chip on their shoulder in the second half, as they cut their nine-point deficit to three by the end of the third quarter. Oguine and the Eagles’ offense struggled in the third, scoring only 10 points. Freshman Michael Wilson had six of those points, including a buzzer beater.
The two teams went back and forth throughout the first four minutes of the fourth quarter, until Dylan Cuenca scored to give Chamiande the momentum. Nick Henzgen hit two three-pointers in the final three and a half minutes to ice the win for the Eagles.
Henzgen on being able to come up big late in the game: “I’m just glad I was able to help my team get the big win”.
That he did. Nick Henzgen’s energy off the bench, hitting three pointers, and stepping it up on defense was the X-factor in Chaminade’s victory.
Henzgen air balled a few in the second half, but the shooter does not let that get to his head.
“Every shot is a new shot” is what Henzgen said about his confidence when shooting the three ball. The corner specialist did not even hesitate to let it fly with the game on the line. Henzgen finished with 12 points, including four three-pointers.
Cuenca added nine points, including some big free throws at the end of the game. Jordan Ogundiran filled the stat sheet with five assists, six rebounds, and a whopping eight steals, the second most in school history.
Brandon Bolosky led the Celts with 16 points and 5 assists. 6’6” center Mitch Mykhaylov recorded a double double with 11 points and 10 rebounds.
The Eagles will play Cathedral in the championship on Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Alemany High.
-Matt Patterson