Second-quarter lapse undercuts Rebels’ efforts

SAN GABRIEL — For three quarters of Saturday night’s San Gabriel Classic championship game at San Gabriel High, the Flintridge Prep boys’ basketball team gave a quality Lawndale squad all it could handle.

But, a rough second quarter put the Rebels in a big hole they were never able to dig out of, and Prep went down in defeat, 54-47.

“[We] didn’t fold,” said Rebels Coach Garrett Ohara. “When you get yourself in a hole by 13 at the half, it’s gonna be tough. Our guys showed poise and I’m glad we competed.”

The Rebels (10-2) trailed the Cardinals by just two, at 10-8, after the first quarter, but the second quarter was a different story.

Lawndale (13-2) erupted offensively behind guard Jamond Essex (17 points) to outscore the Rebels 21-10 and take a comfortable 31-18 lead into the half.

“We gave up too many offensive rebounds and also missed some shots,” Ohara said. “They were blocking a lot of shots in the first half and that gets into your head a little bit.”

Trailing 39-22 late in the third, Rebels junior guard Aaron Fried canned a three-pointer from the right corner and went coast-to-coast for a layin on the next possession to cut the lead to 12.

Prep’s Kenyatta Smith knocked down two free throws to cut the lead to 39-29, as the Rebels ended the quarter on a 7-0 run.

In the fourth quarter, Smith struck again. This time the Prep big man powered in a layup while being fouled. He hit the free throw to pull Prep to within six points at 44-38.

But, after the Rebels misfired on a three-pointer that would have made it a three-point game, Lawndale pulled away.