Clear Lake Falconhoops

The Clear Lake Falcons Boys Varsity traveled to San Diego, California, to play in the 17th annual Torrey Pines Holiday Classic Tournament. Not only is Torrey Pines High School known as one of the top academic schools in the country and for having a campus used in many movies (for a high school campus loaded with Valley girls), but they are also renowned for hosting a premier basketball tournament. Unsurpassed in scenery, weather, the physical plant, and the quality of the high school basketball, Torrey Pines is located in the second richest zip code in the USA. With fifty-eight teams in four divisions, the invitational tournament was spread across four school campuses. The National Division was comprised of ranked schools from Canada, California, Utah, Washington, Louisiana, New York, and Texas. The host school was the headquarters gym for the National Division. Clear Lake scored the most points scored by a team in any division when they defeated Luezinger High School (Lawndale, Ca.) 96-85 in the opening round. The Falcons shot 68% from the field after a five day UIL imposed blackout which prevents any practices or games at Christmas (through December 26 this year). In the second round the Falcons prevailed over the #3 team in Louisiana, Christian Life Academy 56-50. In the semifinals Clear Lake lost a heartbreaker in the last two seconds to Compton Dominguez High School 66-64. The game was tied five times and the Falcons trailed only once in the contest. Dominguez is ranked #13 in the state of California in 5A and last year they were ranked #17 in the nation by more than one ranking. Dominguez alums in the NBA include Tyson Chandler and Tayshaun Prince. In the third place game on the final night of the tournament, Clear Lake upset the #2 ranked team in Canada, Eastern Commerce Collegiate Institute by a score of 62-56. The Falcons never trailed in the game. In the championship game #11 state ranked Jesuit High School (Carmichael, Ca.) won the coveted trophy by defeating Compton Dominguez 63-56. For a detailed description of each game, see the articles on the Falcon Flashes Page.