RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA – A stingy defensive effort helped Tesoro defeat El Toro, 47-36, Friday in a South Coast League matchup at Tesoro High.
The Titans employed a full-court press for long stretches and held El Toro to a season-low 36 points.
“The press was working but they (El Toro) started to break it down with all their guards,” Tesoro coach Steve Garrett said. “When they started to get into a rhythm we backed off of it.”
Tesoro (15-5, 2-1) jumped on the Chargers early. Tristan Broughton had eight of his 10 points in the first quarter, leading the Titans to a 13-8 advantage.
The Titans held El Toro to just five points in the second quarter and extended their lead to 25-13 at halftime. Justin McCallop scored nine points for Tesoro during a 9-2 run in the second quarter.
El Toro (15-7, 1-3) began the second half on a 7-2 run. Garrett called his first timeout of the game after Bruce Haidrey made four consecutive free throws for the Chargers.
“There are going to be momentum swings. I like how our guys responded to their run,” Garrett said. “I don’t call timeouts often. I trust these guys and they didn’t panic.”
Tesoro led by nine entering the fourth quarter. The Titans kept the Chargers at bay in the fourth quarter, due to five points by McCallup and five rebounds and a block by Willie Duggan.
The Titans won their second consecutive South Coast League game. Tesoro won the Sea View League championship last season.
“Tonight was a great team-effort,” Garrett said. “We stuck to our assignments and executed the game plan perfectly. We are a tight-knit group and really played together. And they know they have to keep doing that to be successful.”
