“We’re going to LA, we’re going to LA, we’re going to LA!” That was the chant rumbling through Epler Gymnasium on Saturday night after the Ohlone Renegades celebrated their Sweet 16 victory over the Yuba 49ers, 75-65. The win places the Renegades in to the Elite 8 of the 2010 California Community College Athletic Association Championships, which will take place this weekend down in Thousand Oaks. The final tuneup for Los Angeles wasn’t an easy one for Ohlone as the 49ers put up a bigger fight than expected. In the first half, Yuba made their presence known from the three-point line. Fifteen of Yuba’s first 20 points came from behind the arc, as they were 5-7 for the first half. “They made some tough shots, all of them were contested,” said Ohlone Head Coach John Peterson. “I didn’t think they could do it the whole game, I didn’t think it was possible.” After a 6-0 run with 3:45 remaining in the first gave them a 38-32 lead, Ohlone went back on the defensive as Yuba answered back with a 5-0 run. The buzzer sounded for the half with Ohlone clinging to a 38-37 lead. The Renegades made their living in the second half all season, so it made sense when they opened up the scoring. Scott Clark ignited a run motivated when he swatted a Yuba lay-up from behind. Later on, Clark picked a 49er clean and drove all the way to the basket for an easy bucket. He finished the game with nine points while going 7-8 from the charity stripe. With 16:00 left, Ohlone ignited a 12-1 run that lasted for five minutes. Coast Conference MVP Reggie Jones was in typical form, as he led all scorers with 25 points and six rebounds. He was one of three Renegades who finished with double digit points. The Renegades opened up their biggest lead with less than 4:30 left in the game. The 15-point margin marked the end of the night for Yuba as Ohlone would not relinquish the lead. Lavon Gray dominated the boards once again, this time for team-high 11. He also had 17 points to earn himself a double-double. Ronnie Sawyer broke double-digits also, finishing with 14 points, five rebounds and four assists. Ohlone opens the Elite 8 on Friday afternoon against Saddleback College of Mission Viejo. Friday’s tip-off is scheduled for 3 p.m. The Gauchos have made quite the journey to the Elite 8 which featured a 73-69 overtime thriller against Riverside College.
By Nick Zambrano
Sports editor
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