Cate edged Santa Clara 48-46 on Thursday in the first round of the Fillmore Winter Boys Basketball Tournament. The Saints are the defnding CIF Div. 5AA champions.
Junior Nkemka Chukwumerije was a beast on the boards, grabbing 13 rebounds and scoring four of his seven points on huge put-backs at critical moments in the game.
“Their physicality was something we have not experienced this season but was exactly what we needed,” said Cate coach Andy Gil. “The game was neck and neck all the way through the last buzzer.
“Our dismal free-throw shooting (7-14) allowed Santa Clara to stay in the game. We missed the front end of a 1-and-1 with 4 seconds to go as Santa Clara heaved a Hail Mary to try and win the game. I’m excited about this group. They get along great and play hard and when we clean up a couple turnovers, we are going to be a hard team to beat.”
The Rams (5-2) led 26-24 and half and trailed 34-33 after three quarters.
Cate will take on Carpinteria on Friday at 6 p.m. The Warriors eliminated the Rams 56-51 in the CIF 5A quarterfinals last year.