Those problems probably contributed to Burbank’s easy 80-34 pool-play win Wednesday in the 40th installment of the tournament at Burbank High, which the Bulldogs will attempt to win when they play in the championship game today at 6 p.m.
Finally getting a win against the Wildcats (1-1) was nice for Burbank and Coach Jose Hernandez, who said the rivalry between the teams is a friendly one.
“I’ve known [Coach] Sid [Cooke] for some time, and I have a great deal of respect for him and his program,” Hernandez said. “He and his team are going through a tough time right now, but I know they’ll be able to bounce back.”
To compound the Wildcats’ woes, one of their players missed the game because he had to go out of town, while another was nursing an ankle injury.
But it got worse for Renaissance Academy. Midway through the first quarter, senior starter Derrick Simms rolled his ankle and did not return.
“We were leading when Derrick went out,” said Cooke, whose team defeated Roosevelt, 47-46, in its opening pool-play game Tuesday. “And that didn’t help us.
“I really think that once we get over our injuries, come January, we should be a pretty good team.”
The Wildcats had no answer for Burbank (2-0) senior guard Alex Vartanian, who scored a game-high 22 points, converting six three-pointers.
Renaissance Academy received a fine game from junior Deshon Carter, who led the team with 20 points to go along with eight rebounds.
Burbank — which defeated Roosevelt, 65-48, in an opening pool-play game Monday — got off to a dismal start against the Wildcats, falling behind early.
