Valencia captures Estancia Coast Classic silver division title with win over El Modena

Valencia Tigers celebrate after winning the Estancia Classic silver division title. (Photo: Tom Connolly, For OC Sports Zone).

Dylan Cheng scored 15 points and Phillip Nguyen added 11 points to lead Valencia’s boys basketball team to a 51-39 victory over El Modena in the championship game of the Estancia Coast Classic Silver Division Saturday night at Estancia.

Cheng was named MVP following the game and teammate Adam Alkilani was named to the all-tournament team. The Tigers (8-9) have won four consecutive games.

“This win is a big win for our team and that’s what’s important,” said Cheng, who canned four 3-pointers. “I feel as the captain of this team that it’s important for us to play well and gain momentum from this tournament as we get set to start league play. We’re excited on winning this tournament and gaining momentum going into league play.”

Cheng drilled a 3-pointer in the final minutes of the third quarter to give Valencia a 34-29 led after three periods. Cheng then led a Tigers 7-0 run to start the fourth quarter. His 3-pointer gave Valencia a 39-29 lead with 6:34 to play and the Vanguards weren’t able draw any closer the rest of the way. 

“Dylan (Cheng) has been our captain for two years and he gives us a boost,” said Valencia Coach Danny Ortega. “Our defense was strong tonight, our traps were effective and we did a great job on Brady Lemnitzer. He’s a great player and we did everything we could not to let him beat us.”

Lemnitzer scored 16 points to lead El Modena (8-9).

––Tom Connolly, For OC Sports Zone