Rancho Christian 75, Mission Bay 70 – Key Takeaways

<p>The second act of the Mission Bay Beach Bash lived up to its billing, as San Diego's No. 2 team squared off against the No. 2 team in Southern California.</p> <p>In the end, Rancho Christian came out on top in a physical affair in front of a capacity crowd.</p> <p>The Eagles, led by a combined 30 points and stellar from standouts Isaiah and Evan Mobley, overcame Duke-bound Boogie Ellis' 23 points in the victory.</p> <p>What did we learn from the matchup? Here are several key takeaways.</p> <h2>Rancho Christian 75, Mission Bay 70 - Key Takeaways</h2> <h3> </h3> <h3>Isaiah Mobley shows off his defensive versatility</h3> <p>At the beginning of the fourth quarter, the Eagles switched their strategy on defense and employed 6-9 senior Isaiah Mobley on Ellis. The strategy paid off, as the eldest Mobley forced Ellis into contested layups and challenged perimeter jump shots. Mobley's length and defensive footwork on the perimeter are impressive, and he gives an honest effort every possession. </p> <h3>Mission Bay's supporting cast was solid...</h3> <p>Ellis wasn't sharp from the field, but Mission Bay stayed in the game - and led for a large part of it - due to solid efforts from the Bucs' supporting cast, in particular, 6-1 senior Jay Norton. The criminally underrated combo guard finished with an efficient 22 points and hit big shot after big shot when Rancho Christian threatened to pull away. Andre Scott and Savaughn Davis also provided timely offense and 6-7 senior center Ronnie Latting had a strong effort on the boards before fouling out. </p> <h3>...as was Rancho Christian's</h3> <p>Rancho Christian weathered a slow offensive start by junior forward Evan Mobley with strong play from its back court. Bryson Stephens, listed as a 6-0 junior, was sharp all game, hitting big perimeter shots and providing one of the game's highlights, a two-handed tip dunk that came out of nowhere. He also provided solid defense against Ellis for much of the game, harassing him into contested pull-ups. Fellow junior Jordan Montgomery also hit 3 threes en route to 12 points.</p> <h3>Is Evan Mobley the nation's best shot blocker?</h3> <p>Few rim protectors have the timing, discipline and effectiveness as the younger Mobley. He displayed it prominently throughout the game as he erased repeated putback attempts by Latting. Evan Mobley rarely - if ever- falls for a pump fake, and keeps the blocks in play to spring the Eagles transition offense. Showing off his versatility on offense in the second half, Mobley finished a ferocious dunk, and quickly followed it up with a three from the wing to give the Eagles a lead they wouldn't cede.</p> <h3>Mission Bay starters go the distance</h3> <p>If Ronnie Latting would not have fouled out, the Bucs starters would have played all but five minutes. This was an incredible feat in its own right, but indicative of the lack of big-game experience on Mission Bay's bench. Marshawn Cherry will have to get more production from reserves Eli Lopez and Trae Taylor as the season progresses. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>