LA VERNE – C.J. Hankins looked every bit the Orange Lutheran captain in a 60-59 victory over Damien of La Verne on Thursday night in the CIF-SS Open Division first round before a standing room-only crowd.
Hankins, having seen point guard Joseph Riley foul out during the fourth quarter, took over the offense and scored 16 of his team-high 20 points in the second half, including a 5-of-5 effort at the free-throw line.
The Lancers (23-4) got 17 points from Keisean Lucier-South, and it was his free throw with 8.6 seconds to play that pushed the lead to 60-56, making Jeremy Hemsley’s 3-pointer at the buzzer for Damien insignificant.
Lucier-South, who has signed to play football at UCLA, also had a game-best 11 rebounds on a night when the Damien faithful directed chants of “USC” at him.
“I am so proud of these guys,” Lancers coach Chris Nordstrom said. “We preach to be stubborn in every phase of the game, and our guys did that tonight. C.J. really stepped up big when Riley fouled out, as did all our guards.”
Hemsley scored a game-high 25 for the Spartans (23-4), but his six missed free throws in the second half were critical. He finished 7 of 13 from the line and had 12 fourth-quarter points.
Despite trailing for most of the first three quarters and dealing with foul troubles, the Lancers were able to prevail. They will be at home against Centennial of Corona for a second-round game Wednesday.
Chris Williams had eight points for Orange Lutheran, and Kavaughn Scott and Riley added five points apiece.
Damien’s Malik Fitts scored 12 points and made all five of his free throws.
“When we got the lead and Joseph fouled out, I wanted to keep us calm and help break their press,” Hankins said. “I wanted the ball, but felt confident in any of our guys to make their shots late.”
Zac Jervis finished with two points for Orange Lutheran, but they came on a pair of clutch free throws in the fourth quarter.
The Lancers finished 15 of 21 from the line.
