April 19, 2024

OC Sports Zone: Community First

Uni sophomore Kody Uyesugi pours in 38 points to lead Trojans to 85-81 overtime victory over Paramount in basketball tourney

Kody Uyesugi continued his fast start Saturday with 38 points vs. Paramount.

University’s boys basketball team, sparked by a 38-point performance by sophomore guard Kody Uyesugi, defeated Paramount 85-81 in overtime Saturday afternoon to capture the consolation championship of the silver division at the Rumble for Rosecrans Avenue Tournament at Sunny Hills.

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The 5-7 Uyesugi had an amazing performance, leading the Trojans fourth quarter comeback. He made eight 3-pointers and hit all 10 free throws he attempted. University overcame a 9-point deficit going into the final stanza.

Uyesugi, who played on the JV team last year, had quite a week. He scored 31 points against Glenn, 15 vs. Troy, 38 against Esperanza and 30 points against St. Margaret’s.

“It was all my teammates,” said Uyesugi. “We work hard every day in practice and it all comes from them. I just try and do my part. I wasn’t playing the greatest defense, but I was able to pull through on offense and help my team and it was mainly their part.”

University also got solid efforts from Andrea Roy (21 points, six 3-pointers), Brandon Liu (9 points) and Will Stenta (7 points).

“We just competed harder, they were very, very quick,” Dinneen said. “We can shoot, it’s the best outside shooting team I’ve had in a long time,” said University Coach Mike Dinneen.

University, which was 3-2 in the tournament, played without its other starting guard Arjun Gill.

“We have a couple guys like Will Stenta and Sam Aryan who do the dirty work and Andrea Roy and Kody are pretty good shooters,” Dinneen said. “I thought Brandon (Liu) played well down the stretch too.”

University (3-2) had a 72-67 lead on a 3-pointer by Uyesugi with 2:15 left in regulation. But Paramount battled back to tie it on a 3-pointer by Joshua Ryan late in regulation.

In the overtime, Uyesugi’s basket with 1:33 left put the Trojans ahead 83-79 with 1:33 left. He also sank two free throws with 23 seconds remaining to give the Trojans an 85-81 lead.

De’mariae Young led Paramount (2-3) with 16 points. Sir Alexander had 15 points and Albert Prado 14 points.

ORANGE LUTHERAN WINS CHAMPIONSHIP OF TOURNAMENT