PHOTOS: Strong defensive effort lifts Servite past Tustin in Ringo Bossenmeyer Classic

Servite was led by Saiger Smith (right) and Tariq Johnson in the victory over Tustin. (PHOTOS: Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone).

Servite’s boys basketball team used a strong defensive effort and solid offensive contributions from two freshmen guards Saturday night against Tustin in a second round game of the Ringo Bossenmeyer Tustin Holiday Classic at Tustin.

The Friars took control in the first quarter and went on to defeat Tustin 54-35 likely sending them to the tournament finals Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. The Friars, 2-0 and the only undefeated team in their pool, play Hawaii Baptist (0-2) Monday.

Eight teams are in the tournament which was renamed in honor of former Tustin coach Ringo Bossenmeyer.

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Servite is looking for its first tournament championship this season. The Friars went 3-1 in both the Sunny Hills and Western tournaments.

“We need to get this one, we’re looking to get a tournament championship here,” said Friars first year coach Matt Kanne.

Freshman guards Saiger Smith (18 points) and Tariq Johnson (13 points) led the way for Servite (13-3).

But it was the defensive effort overall of the team that impressed Kanne.

“I thought we brought great defensive intensity, it was our best defensive half of the season in the first half, I thought we really competed on the defensive end and rotated well, mixed defenses well, I thought offensively we didn’t finish well at the rim and missed a lot of easy ones, but at the same time, we played fast, got to our spots and I was really pleased overall especially in the first half with the looks that we got, we just didn’t convert,” Kanne said.

“I was pleased with the overall effort, that’s a good team, they compete hard, I felt like we asserted ourselves on defense and were aggressive and got after it and competed, we just need to convert on the offensive end.”

Servite led 29-16 at halftime and then extended its lead to 22 points going into the final stanza.

Tustin (9-9) was led by Dillon Walker with seven points and Taven Epps with six points. The Tillers are 1-1 in the tournament.

“They’re terrific, really talented, skilled, complete players who are extremely talented, especially on the offensive end,” Kanne said of his two freshmen. “Between Tariq’s shooting and Saiger’s playmaking and defense we have a nice freshman tandom that gives the program a lot to be excited about.”

Both players were excited to get the win.

“I thought it was a good win and we executed on defense,” Johnson said. “The defense allowed us to get going on offense.”

“I think we defended well,” Smith added. “We had a great defensive half in both halves, and I think we executed as a team. I could have done better, I got to be able to finish at the rim, but overall, I had a pretty good performance.”

Hugh Hannan had nine points and Carlos Galvan seven points for Servite and Jake Schutt was solid on defense and rebounding, the coach said.

“Jake Schutt, our senior leader and captain, brings us great energy on the defensive end and rebounds really well, really physical, strong player,” Kanne said.

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

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