Basketball

Windward Uses 12-Point Advantage in Second Half to Defeat Damien, 67-60, in Semifinal Round of the CIF-SS Division 1 Playoffs

Feb 17 2024 02:16:28

Photos by Taegan Maysami (@madeby.taeg on Instagram)

Boys Basketball:

For the first time in the 2023-24 playoffs, the Damien basketball program was facing a team with an even longer win streak than that of the Spartans.

DHS had won eight consecutive games before Friday’s CIF-SS Division 1 semifinal round showdown with Windward.

The Wildcats are ranked No. 3 in the state by MaxPreps, and they traveled to La Verne on a 17-game win streak.

Ironically, Windward’s last loss was a December 27 setback against Salesian College Prep at the Classic at Damien.

Fast forward 51 days, and the Wildcats would leave the Damien gym happy, thanks to a 67-60 victory over the Spartans.

A 21-9 run in the third quarter allowed Windward to enter the fourth period with a 50-43 advantage.

Damien got 20 points from its star senior, Xavier Clinton.

Nate Garcia chipped in with 19 points.

And Eli Garner contributed 14 points in the loss.

Up next: Damien will won’t get its CIF State first-round opponent until next Sunday.

To view a large photo gallery by Taegan Maysami, click on the Facebook link here: Facebook

Box Score:
W: 21-8-21-17-(67)
D: 17-17-9-17-(60)

Records: Windward (28-3); Damien (26-5)

0