Big third quarter helps La Habra rally for victory over Edison at Mariko Classic

Acen Jimenez of La Habra looks to pass off during Friday’s game at Portola. (Photo: Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone).

La Habra’s boys basketball team won its third game in a row at the Mariko Memorial Classic at Portola, defeating Edison 75-64 Friday night.

The Highlanders put on a strong performance in the third quarter with some big defensive stops to overcome a 35-30 halftime deficit.

Sophomore Grayson Sinek scored 35 points and freshman Acen Jimenez scored 23 points to lead La Habra (7-2). Sinek also had five rebounds and four assists and Jimenez recorded four assists and three steals.

“These young guys are really starting to play with some confidence,” said La Habra Coach Aaron Riekenberg. “They went through some lumps last year and having six sophomore and a freshman, I’m really proud of how they’re battling.

“Edison is an unbelievable team and really tough. That was a big win.”

In the third quarter, Sinek sank a 3-point field goal and also sank a free throw for a four-point play to put La Habra ahead 53-46. The Highlanders led 58-46 going into the fourth quarter and were able to hold off a rally by Edison (2-3).

Riekenberg was pleased with his team’s defensive effort in the second half.

“We pride ourselves on that,” he said. “Edison took it to us in the first half with 35 points. We talked about having a big third quarter and setting the tone defensively. It also helped that we had Grayson Sinek get pretty hot there. And our freshman point guard (Jimenez) is going to be one special player, he’s getting more and more confident as he goes.

“Also our senior Brayden Orr might not fill the stat sheet but the leadership he’s shown with such a young team is so crucial to our success and I’m so proud with how he led and defended out here and really helped us get that win.”

Edison started out strong behind the scoring of Tucker Trip, who scored 11 of his 19 points in the first quarter. Dylan Hugues scored 19 points to lead the Chargers. Jayden Oei added 12 points for Edison.

“La Habra played outstanding and we were a step behind all night,” said Edison Coach Rich Boyce. “Chargers will bounce back.” 

The two teams wrap up the tournament Saturday at Portola. Edison meets San Clemente at 1:30 p.m. and La Habra faces Woodbridge at 3 p.m.

In the other games, Tesoro faces Laguna Beach at noon and Portola meets Trabuco Hills at 4:30 p.m.

—Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com