The Dayton High boys basketball team opened defense of its title at the Bishop (Calif.) Christmas Classic with a 73-64 win over Delphi Academy of Pasadena, Calif. on Thursday.
Dayton, which won last year's title at the event, advanced to today's semifinals. The Dust Devils jumped out to a 19-12 lead after one quarter before Delphi closed to within 35-33 at halftime. Dayton opened a 50-42 lead after three quarters and held off Delphi from the foul line in the fourth period.
Dayton hit 14-of-17 foul shots from the foul line in the fourth quarter and finished 18-of-25 from the line. Delphi was 15-of-19 from the line.
Five players scored in double figures for Dayton. "We needed all five guys, too," Dayton coach Rob Streeter said.
Jake Deen scored 17 points, Justin Harris and Brian Lahmann each had 12 points and Nick McQueen and Matt Bowman each added 11 points. Zane Walker, up from the junior varsity, also played well for the Dust Devils.
