November 17, 2024

OC Sports Zone: Community First

Tillers make steady progress during Tustin Holiday Classic and get ready for league opener

Bradley Burdick of Tustin is defended by Joey Longo of Trabuco Hills in the second round of the Tustin Holiday Classic. (Photo: Fernando M. Donado, For OC Sports Zone)

Tustin High’s boys basketball team finished 2-2 in the 8th annual Tustin Holiday Classic and according Coach Ringo Bossenmeyer took some big steps in preparation for the start of Empire League play next week.

The Tillers opened with a 53-42 victory over Esperanza; defeated Trabuco Hills 42-35 in the second round; lost to Cajon 58-53 in the semifinals; and to Tesoro in the third place game Monday 61-52.

In the two losses, Tustin (13-5) was competitive until the final minutes.

“The quality of opponents we faced throughout the tournament is the absolute best way to prepare for league play,” Coach Ringo Bossenmeyer said on Tuesday. “Battling against teams of that caliber should not only show us where we need to improve as a team, but also give our players confidence that if we play the right way, we can compete at a high level.”

Tustin opens league play Tuesday, hosting defending league champion Cypress at 6 p.m.

SCORES AND HIGHLIGHTS FROM FINAL DAY OF TUSTIN CLASSIC

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