CIF Division 3 Championship: Key Takeaways
Coming into the season, the San Diego Cavers – last season’s Division 4 champions – faced a tall task. They moved up to D3 after graduating their two leading scorers that comprised 40 percent of their offense. It turns out…
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Continue ReadingComing into the season, the San Diego Cavers – last season’s Division 4 champions – faced a tall task. They moved up to D3 after graduating their two leading scorers that comprised 40 percent of their offense.
It turns out the Cavers would be just fine.
San Diego used a stifling defense and balanced offense to handily defeat Valhalla 76-65 to win the school’s second straight CIF title.
Here are some takeaways from the game:
CIF Division 3 Championship: Key Takeaways
San Diego’s defense turned the tide
Valhalla, the two seed in Division 3, shattered the CIF San Diego Section single-season made threes record. But the Cavers held the Norsemen to 11-34 shooting beyond the arc and bottled up their catalyst – 5-8 senior point guard Domanic Safarta. The Cavers held Safarta to 10 points (4-17 FG, 1-10 3PFG), 4 assists and 4 turnovers, well below his 23.3 point and 7.7 assists-per-game averages.
Jaliel Jackson turns in a huge performance
6-2 senior forward Jaliel Jackson quietly put together a solid season, averaging 14 points per game since rejoining the starting lineup in mid-January. On Thursday, scored a game-high 25 points (11-13 FG) and grabbed 7 rebounds. Jackson scored from the block (excellent hands and body control), midrange off the catch, and off the bounce. A three-sport prospect, Jackson could help a lower-level college (NAIA, juco) with his physicality and budding skill set.
Burgin, Stinson, Thomas win back court duel.
Both San Diego and Valhalla came into the game with strong guard play. Safarta and senior Jordan Gaines – both transfers from Christian High – averaged a combined 41 points and 10 assists this season. The Cavers back court of sophomore AJ Burgin, junior Steve Stinson and senior Daniel Thomas got the best of the duo Thursday, combining for 36 points, 21 assists and just 4 turnovers. Burgin, a 6-2 combo guard, spearheaded the defensive effort against Safarta.
Gaines and Safarta combined for 20 points, 9 assists and 5 turnovers.
Valhalla has a sophomore sniper in Joe Avalos
One of the bright spots for the Norsemen was the shooting of senior wing Evan O’Neill and 6-0 sophomore Joe Avalos. Avalos, especially, will be one to track moving forward. The stocky shooting guard has a textbook release and limitless range, and is a solid passer. He needs to improve his lateral quickness and handle, but he’s got time.
Tyler Castillo rounding into a prospect
At 6-6, 180, Tyler Castillo is easy to spot on the floor. But he’s starting to make a big impact with his production. He scored 11 points on 5-8 shooting, and provided rim protection and rebounding for the Cavers. The junior lefty has a great wingspan looks to still be growing. He’s a big reason why the Cavers transition to D2 should be smooth next season.