Exeter claims inaugural McDermont title

Exeter’s boys basketball team — well, it’s summer league version, at least — ended its summer on a high note by capturing its first summer league championship at McDermont’s Boys’ High School Basketball Summer League.

The Monarchs closed out the past month of bi-weekly tournament play at McDermont Field House with a double header Thursday night, defeating Lindsay 47-43 in the semifinals and then toppling Strathmore 40-33 for the inaugural league’s title.

Of the league’s eight teams, several Orange Belt schools participated, including Exeter, Lindsay, Strathmore, and spot appearances by Porterville and Granite Hills.

“That was the whole reason for us getting into this league,” Exeter coach Jared Mandville said afterward, “to play more schools our size and get some confidence. Hopefully, we got them to understand that when we work hard, there’s a lot of payoff.”

Mandville said the Monarchs showed steady improvement throughout the summer after playing in other

leagues in Newport Harbor, Chico and Immanuel.

“We kept it real simple in terms (of plays) that we ran,” Mandville said. “But the kids got experience and that was the key. I asked a lot of them and they had a tremendous commitment.”

Exeter wing Clay James scored a game-high 18 points mostly on slashing to the hoop and drawing fouls for extra points.

“Clay is a heck of a talent,” Mandville said. “He’s our most athletic and skilled player, and he’s long and quick.”

James injured his knee in a fall in the first half and sat out for about seven minutes before returning.

Hampered by the sore knee, James struggled to drive and instead showed range as he settled for outside shots, knocking down two 3-pointers.

“When he understands that he can go full speed in one direction, he’s very effective at getting to the basket,” Mandville added. “And when he’s confident, he can shoot the ball outside.”

The Monarchs, who were missing usual point Justin Lamb (torn ACL), got its distribution from Abel Ibarra, who set up open looks for several teammates. Forward Wilson Garver scored 10 points while Jaycee Totty and Garrett Souza added four apiece for Exeter, which dominated the boards with their sizable front lineup.

“They’re a big, physical team,” Strathmore coach Josh Sanchez said. “I thought it was going to be a long shot (going into this game).”

The Spartans were without leading scorer Jorge Ojeda and leading rebounder Eddie Cisneros. Ojeda received a hairline fracture in his fibula two weeks ago but showed up for support.

“(Exeter) blew us out even when we had Eddie and Jorge back in June,” said Sanchez, Strathmore’s JV coach who is acting as interim coach until a varsity coach will be named by fall.

Strathmore was led by Alex Maciel’s 12 points but Mario Lemus stepped up with some hot outside shooting for 10 more points. Lionel Moreno and Rosario Rodriguez added five and four points, respectively.

Exeter defeated Lindsay in overtime in the previous game with some gutsy plays in the final two minutes.

With 14 seconds left of regulation, Exeter entered from a timeout and Souza promptly scored a layup off a well-executed backdoor pass. Lindsay’s Donovan Castro’s half-court heave at the buzzer erred and sent the game into overtime.

James sank a running floater in the paint to open the one-minute period and then sank two free throws to seal the win.

“I just emphasize composure down the stretch,” Mandville said. “Last year, we didn’t know how to deal with it, really. Usually the team that’s a lot more calm and collected will make the better plays down the stretch, so we use those tight games as a learning experience.

“I think we’re in a position next year to be in a lot of games late.”