Tustin starts fast and wins third straight Empire League game, defeating Kennedy 48-35

Tustin Coach Ringo Bossenmeyer talks to Kyan Patel during a timeout Tuesday. (Photo Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone)

Tustin High’s boys basketball team captured its third Empire League victory in a row, defeating Kennedy 48-35 Tuesday night at Tustin.

The Tillers (16-7, 3-2) jumped out to a 19-2 lead with 5:47 left in the first half and were in control the rest of the way.

Tustin was especially tough on defense allowing Kennedy (12-8, 0-5) just 14 points in the first half while moving out to a nine point lead at the break.

“The past three games we’ve done a really good job on the defensive glass,” said Tustin Coach Ringo Bossenmeyer. “We’re playing real solid defense and giving teams only one shot. That’s a big factor for any team on any level.

“It’s game to game. Obviously Cypress and Crean (Lutheran) had their way with us in the first couple of games and we’ve kind of re-assessed where we’re at and hopefully made some progress and now we start round two.”

Tustin was led by Jason Naranjo, Kyan Patel and Ben Ahinaquah, who all had 10 points. Ryan Stading had nine points. Bradley Burdick also grabbed seven rebounds and Ahinahquah had eight rebounds.

“It was good to have three guys in double figures and Ben and Bradley continue to rebound very, very well on both ends of the floor and that should give us a chance in every game,” Bossenmeyer said.

Tustin led 35-18 after three quarters.

Kennedy was led by Kyle Hoang who had 15 points, 12 coming in the final quarter. Ryan Soto added nine points.

Tustin begins round two of Empire League play Friday at Cypress, then plays at Crean Lutheran Tuesday.

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