Khadim Pouye poured in 15 points in the fourth quarter as Cate School rallied from a six-point deficit to defeat Trinity Classical 52-45 and capture the Fillmore Winter Tournament boys basketball title.
The Rams (7-2) led 21-19 at halftime, then got outscored 18-10 in the third as Trinity drilled four 3-pointers in six trips down the court to take a 10-point lead. Trinity led 37-31 after three quarters. The Rams erupted for 21 in the final quarter and held Trinity to eight.
Pouye was named tournament MVP and Nkemka Chukwumerije was all-tourney.
“At the start of the fourth, we came out angry and ready to run,” said Cate coach Andy Gil. “We got six straight stops to start the fourth and scored on five straight possessions to regain the lead and we never let off the gas from there. Khadim was incredible in the fourth as he was able to go inside and outside.
“Nkemka Chukwumerije, Ethan Ng, Parker May, Thomas Nettesheim and Mason Oetgen were great for us the entire tournament. On any given night, we can have 6 or 7 guys lead us and that is what makes us a dangerous team. Our bench was incredible and I thanked them for preparing us each day in practice and being vocal and positive and to challenge each other. We’ve been tested in December and that’s what we need.”
The Rams will host Santa Ynez in their first home game on Wednesday at 6 p.m.