Desert Pines Defeats Clark 77-69 In Season Opener

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It took each team a couple of minutes for their offense's to get going.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>But Desert Pines guard, [player_tooltip player_id='2877330' first='Lavell' last='Lovelace'] then opened things up with a nice take to the rim.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Jaguars also got early contributions from [player_tooltip player_id='2588076' first='Maleki' last='Sims'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2111894' first='Tyler' last='Merto']. Sims had 5 first quarter points, and Merto splashed in a 3. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While the Clark Chargers guards, [player_tooltip player_id='2806939' first='Amir' last='Wright'], [player_tooltip player_id='2637173' first='CJ' last='Edwards'], and [player_tooltip player_id='2286675' first='Sir' last='Montgomery'] started to find their rhythm. With Edwards and Montgomery both hitting triples (Montgomery had 2). And [player_tooltip player_id='2806939' first='Amir' last='Wright'] earned a trip to the foul line and started to facilitate.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After one, Desert Pines held a narrow 14–13 lead.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2812155' first='Mason' last='Robles'] then got hot in the second quarter, dropping in a pair of 3's and a nice inside bucket.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>And although [player_tooltip player_id='2418885' first='Devan' last='Christion'] did break free a couple of times for dunks, the Desert Pines defense kept him in check (Merto, [player_tooltip player_id='1965276' first='Quentin' last='Stewart'], and Jerome Jackson Sequiera, and [player_tooltip player_id='2634178' first='Kru' last='Brown']).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Going into halftime, the score was 32-22. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Then in the third quarter, McMorran II began to pour in triples to help them stay ahead.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>But Clark responded with a major surge. As their guards relentlessly attacked the basket, made tough finishes, and got to the line. The Chargers put together a huge 26–16 run to take a 48–46 lead heading into the fourth.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Jaguars didn't panic though, and they continued to look to McMorran II. Who connected on quite a few difficult shots, and he splashed in another 3. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2111894' first='Tyler' last='Merto'] also hit some much needed baskets in the second half. Including a pair of jumpers, and a big time dunk that got the crowd off their feet. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>And just like that, the Jaguars retook the lead and had the momentum. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>However, the Chargers didn't go down without a fight. As [player_tooltip player_id='2806939' first='Amir' last='Wright'] got downhill frequently. And [player_tooltip player_id='2418885' first='Devan' last='Christion'] slammed home a couple of more dunks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Despite their best efforts, the Jaguars pulled away and closed things out.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Final Score - </em></strong>Desert Pines 77 vs Clark 69</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Desert Pines will face Mater East Academy in their next game (tomorrow 12/4). And Clark will matchup with Liberty tonight (12/3). </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Notable Performers </em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2374347"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6930871059a88"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2374347' first='Aaron' last='McMorran II'] opened the 2025–26 season with a bang. The calm, composed guard took a minute to get going. But once he did, he consistently attacked driving lanes and earned trips to the free-throw line. He went into halftime with 9 points, then completely broke loose in the second half. Knocking down threes, finishing at the rim, and continuing to draw fouls. McMorran closed out the night with 28 points, leading all scorers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2111894"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6930871059af0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2111894' first='Tyler' last='Merto'] did a little bit of everything for the Jaguars last night. On defense, he got physical when needed and forced [player_tooltip player_id='2418885' first='Devan' last='Christion'] away from the basket multiple times. While also staying alert to pick off a couple of steals. On the offensive end, he picked his spots well. Pouring in both triples and mid-range jumpers. And adding a powerful dunk in the fourth quarter. Overall, it was a great performance from him and he showed some grit. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stats - 12 Points</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2877330"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6930871059b3c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2877330' first='Lavell' last='Lovelace'] utilized his burst a couple of times to burn Charger defenders yesterday. He's shiftier than his opponent's anticipate, which allows him to create real separation. He also used his own anticipation skills to score second chance points for the Jaguars. In addition to his scoring, Lovelace dished the ball off to open teammates to rack up 5 assists. And he caused a few turnovers on defense (2 steals, 1 block). All in all, it was a solid game for the senior. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stats - 8 Points </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2812155"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6930c9ad9e91f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2812155' first='Mason' last='Robles'] was most effective in the second quarter, where he scored 8 of his 10 points. He also gathered a few rebounds for the Jaguars and battled on defense. If he can continue to build on that momentum, he'll be another shooter opposing defenses have to worry about.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2588076"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6930c9ad9e9b1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2588076' first='Maleki' last='Sims'] helped jump start the offense in the first quarter. He also hit another 3 in the second half and got to the foul line in the closing minutes. , he provided a solid spark for the team and I liked how he hustled on defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stats - 9 Points </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2286675"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6930871059b84"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2286675' first='Sir' last='Montgomery'] made an impact on both ends of the floor against Desert Pines. On offense, he made a couple of hots from beyond the arc and did a good job drawing contact on his drives to the rim. On defense, he hounding ball handlers and giving them very little space to operate. Expect him to be a steady, reliable force for the Chargers throughout the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stats - 12 Points </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2637173"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6930871059c11"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2637173' first='CJ' last='Edwards'] hits shots from the perimeter and had a few very strong takes to the basket for the Chargers. I liked how he showed patience and waited for the right moment to get his shot off. Even though Clark didn't come away with the win, he's definitely a 2028 guard to keep an eye on this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stats - 14 Points </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2806939"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6930871059bcc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2806939' first='Amir' last='Wright'] utilized his acceleration skills to repeatedly get to the cup last night. He also used his IQ to earn himself trips to the free throw line. Where he made 8 of his attempts. He finished as Clark's leading scorer with 17 points, capping off an impressive and entertaining performance.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2418885"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6930c9ad9eb2a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Desert Pines didn't give Christion much room to operate. Which made it difficult for him to settle in. However the defense did loose track of him a few of times, and he made them pay by throwing down emphatic dunks. Defensively, he had a couple of blocks and he snagged rebounds. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stats - 12 Points </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->