ANAHEIM – Abraham Mansaray scored a game-high 20 points for Savanna as the Rebels stayed unbeaten in Orange League boys basketball with a 72-27 victory over Katella on Friday night.
Mansaray was the catalyst for Savanna on both ends of the floor, as he spearheaded a relentless full-court press that forced the Knights into 25 turnovers.
The Rebels unleashed their pressure defense from the opening tip and it quickly paid dividends. Grabbing three steals helped them take an 8-2 lead.
Katella (5-9, 0-2) went on a 5-0 run to pull within one, but it was all Savanna from that point on.
The Rebels continued forcing turnovers, and then their bench players started to contribute. Poyesh Rahmani scored seven first-quarter points.
Savanna (8-12, 2-0) went on an 18-1 run to close out the opening quarter to take a 26-8 lead.
The Rebels continued their dominance in the second quarter as the Knights were flustered all evening by Savanna’s swarming full-court press.
Savanna also dominated the boards, especially on the offensive glass, with Allen Perez providing another spark off the bench.
Mansaray ended the half by making a 3-pointer for a 41-14 lead and then followed that up with a putback layup that stretched the lead to 29 points.
Savanna point guard Mark Butler made a 3 early in the third quarter that made it 51-17 as Katella endured an onslaught it had no answer for.
Mansaray made sure his final points came in spectacular fashion as a Savanna steal ended with Mansaray throwing down a breakaway dunk that put an exclamation point on the victory.
Savanna continues Orange League play next Wednesday at Century as the Rebels look to keep their league record unblemished.
