Fairfax wins 78-63 in battle of CA hoop powers

Los Angeles (CA) Fairfax surprised Santa Ana (CA) Mater Dei with a 78-63 win in the Academy National Invitational national division semifinals, Fairfax led most of the game, building a 35-23 halftime lead. The Lions expanded the lead to 59-42 and Mater Dei head coach Gary McKnight, who was frustrated by his teams' effort, pulled his entire starting five for the final quarter.

The reserves rallied to cut the lead to 65-55, but Fairfax scored ten of the next twelve points to seal the victory.

UCLA recruit Josh Shipp continued his strong play as he finished with 26 points. He scored 16 in the first half and made eleven of 18 shots from the field and three of four from three-point range.

Junior 6-8 forward Jamal Boykin was a workhorse again as he finished with 21 points and eleven rebounds, nine in each half. The two stars combined for 26 of the team's 35 first half points.

Oregon State signee Marcel Jones led Mater Dei with 15 points and five rebounds. Freshman Taylor King, who has already committed to UCLA, struggled with his shooting again, making just two of nine from the field. He is six of 25 for the tournament. He finished with eight points and five rebounds.

Chris Henry, who signed with Washington State, had eight points and three rebounds and 6-8 junior Rashad Austin had three points and four caroms. Gritty 6-0 junior playmaker Mike Gerrity had eight points and four assists.
Fairfax improved to 9-1 with the win. Their lone loss was to #1 Oak Hill Academy.