CIF State Basketball Semi-Final DI: Lincoln Defeats St. Ignatius

Lincoln, from Stockton defeated St. Ignatius from San Francisco 61-37. PH NorCal was in the gym for a match up of Division I teams. What started out as a evenly played contest in the first quarter tied at 15. Lincoln started to find its rhythm on the offensive side, and tightening its defensive pressure. St. Ignatius motion offense had good passing and player movement as they tried to take advantage of its size. Lincoln's post defense, of playing physical, and doubling down on the bigs worked. At the half, Lincoln led 28-22. Lincoln flexed it's muscle, got the offense going, went on a 16-2 run, fueled by defense forced turnovers that led to transition baskets. St.Ignatius never recovered, Lincoln goes on to win 61-37 to advance. They'll play San Ramon Valley at home, a team they defeated on a neutral court at the buzzer in a early season contest.   WHO PLAYED WELL.   [player_tooltip player_id='1384448' first='Donez' last='Lindsey'] 5'10 Unsigned PG, Lincoln, Stockton CA: The 5'10 PG served notice that his size wasn't going to determine how he plays the game. He'll be a productive PG at any level. He's as tough as they come, knows how to play the PG position. He was a hound on defense forcing turnovers, disrupting the flow. He had 17pts, multiple assists, 4-3's.   [player_tooltip player_id='1384449' first='Anthony' last='Moore'] 6'6 2025 Lincoln, Stockton CA, (Weber St): One of PH NorCal's top prospects. He leads this team in scoring, 17.7ppg. At 6'6 long with good handles, and foot work, he's hard to contain when he puts the ball on the floor looking for his jump shot. He'll turn the corner for a paint jumper, finish at the rim over defenders, if he doesn't kick it out to open shooters. He has good strides finishing in transition. 23pts   [player_tooltip player_id='1703071' first='Raymond' last='Whitley'] 6'3 2026 Guard, St. Ignatius: A consistent guard who continually shows his ability to get buckets from different angles. He has a scorers mentality, within the flow of the offense. He can be a go to guy with his ability to create shots for himself, draws fouls, or pull up for short jumpers. He's done well running the offense up top when needed, keeping his dribble, solid passing around the perimeter looking to involve others.   [player_tooltip player_id='2089524' first='Jagger' last='Merolla'] 6'3 2026 G, Lincoln, Stockton: His productivity doesn't always show up in the scorers column. He plays with energy doing things to blend in with what the team needs. He has some ways to put the ball in the basket, offensive rebounds for put back points, hard drives to get to the basket, finishing in transition. He scraps for rebounds on both ends, makes hustle plays running down loose balls, saving possessions. He sprints the court filling lanes and getting back on defense. He's a ball mover. He's a competitor.   [player_tooltip player_id='1707504' first='Ty' last='Landers'] 6'8 2026 F, St. Ignatius: He has work to do building up his frame, adding strength nonetheless he's one of NorCal's better prospects standing 6'8. He has a good skill set and footwork to be a productive Forward/Center. He receives from the post, has vision to spot shooters, and cutters. He has a jump hook, can hit the paint jumper. He'll use a dribble or two to get to the rim from the short corner.   [player_tooltip player_id='2630498' first='Alex' last='Moore'] 6'8 2028 Forward, St. Ignatius: He's just getting started in his high school career. He's been a productive Freshman logging quality minutes, sometimes as a starter. He has size, a set of skills that allow him to operate out away from the basket. He can go into the post area, as well and get things done. He's an excellent passer, ball mover. He'll continue to fill his 6'8 frame, and add to his overall skill set.   [player_tooltip player_id='2484284' first='Kenneth' last='(Tre) Simmons'], 6'4 2028 Guard, Lincoln Stockton: He's a two sport athlete (Football). He's raised his level of play throughout the season, and is on an upward path. He's strong, has good movement on the court, he can play multiple positions. He's a ball handler, a spot up shooter in the corners looking for a catch 3, or strong drives along the baseline. He'll get rebounds, use his body, and strength to help defend bigger players in the post area.   [player_tooltip player_id='2630500' first='Noah' last='Kirsch']-Lopez 6'3 2028 F, St. Ignatius: He was brought up to the varsity after playing junior varsity. He was the second player to enter the game. He did well passing and moving without the ball. He was involved in a Pick and role play that resulted in the lefty getting a bucket. He's shown he can play on the perimeter, using his handles for drive and kick outs. He goes on the Watch List

Lincoln, from Stockton defeated St. Ignatius from San Francisco 61-37. PH NorCal was in the gym for a match up of Division I teams. What started out as a evenly played contest in the first quarter tied at 15. Lincoln started to find its rhythm on the offensive side, and tightening its defensive pressure. St. Ignatius motion offense had good passing and player movement as they tried to take advantage of its size. Lincoln's post defense, of playing physical, and doubling down on the bigs worked. At the half, Lincoln led 28-22. Lincoln flexed it's muscle, got the offense going, went on a 16-2 run, fueled by defense forced turnovers that led to transition baskets. St.Ignatius never recovered, Lincoln goes on to win 61-37 to advance. They'll play San Ramon Valley at home, a team they defeated on a neutral court at the buzzer in a early season contest.