October 7, 2024

OC Sports Zone: Community First

Cypress and Pacifica players, coaches and fans honor Kobe; Centurions win 84-60

Cypress Coach Derek Mitchell (left) and Pacifica Coach David Friedman were among those honoring Kobe Bryant Tuesday. (Photo courtesy Cypress basketball, For OC Sports Zone)

Cypress High’s boys basketball team defeated Pacifica 84-60 Tuesday night on a night honoring Kobe Bryant.

The Centurions remained in first place in the Empire League.

Both teams’ fans, players and coaches wore Lakers gear to honor the Laker legend, who died Sunday along with eight others in a helicopter crash.

Cypress (20-5) won its 12th game in a row. Eddie Spencer led the Centurions with 18 points and two 3-pointers.

Christian Chai had 14 points and two 3-pointers along with four steals. Elijah Vaielua finished with 12 points and 14 rebounds.

The Centurions travel to Crean Lutheran on Friday to battle for first place. Crean Lutheran is 6-1 in league and Cypress 7-0 with 27 consecutive league wins going back three seasons.

Friday’s game starts at 6 p.m.

If your team honored Kobe Bryant this week, please send pictures to timburt@ocsportszone.com so we can share with our readers