SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - Kezie Okpala had 22 points, 12 rebounds, four assists, and three-blocked shots in Esperanza’s 72-65 victory over Moreau Catholic for the Boys Division II state title.
Brendan Harrick contributed 25 points, four rebounds, and two assists for the Esperanza Aztecs (30-3), winners of their first state championship.
Freshman Kyree Walker had 28 points, 10 rebounds, two steals, and two blocked shots for the Moreau Catholic Mariners (25-10). Damari Milstead scored 22 points.
The Aztecs led 34-26 at halftime after building a 17-point lead.
An 11-2 run to open the third quarter, finished with a 3-point basket by Walker, gave Moreau Catholic a 37-35 lead. Esperanza finished the quarter with a 12-5 run and 47-42 lead.
Walker’s two free throws cut Esperanza’s lead 65-63 with 54 seconds left to play, but the Aztecs outscored the Mariners 7-2 the rest of the way to win the D-II championship.
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