Roosevelt's Issac Williamson anchors win over St. John Bosco in Classic at Damien Platinum final
LA VERNE, CALIFORNIA - "He's a disruptor."
That's how Eastvale Roosevelt basketball coach Stephen Singleton described junior guard Issac Williamson.
"He's our best defender," said senior Darnez Slater.
Less than 24 hours after St. John Bosco superstar sophomore Brandon McCoy willed the Braves to a semifinal victory on Friday night with 28 points, Williamson took on the assignment of defending McCoy in the Classic at Damien Platinum Division final.
Williamson held McCoy to a hard-earned 13 points, and anchored Roosevelt to a 68-65 victory over St. John Bosco Saturday night.
The performance was motivated by the chip on Williamson's shoulder.
"I feel like I'm under the radar, underrated," he said. "So when there's a chance to play against a big-time player, I want to perform."
And so he did. Williamson also added 17 points to his gutty performance. Slater scored 18 points and Brayden Burries, who was named tournament MVP, added 15 points and seven rebounds.
Burries had 31 points in the semifinal.
Eastvale Roosevelt All-Tournament selections (L-R): Brayden Burries, Myles Walker, Issac Williamson, Darnez Slater.
Tarek Fattal/SBLive
"This is preparation for the Open Division," Slater said.
Roosevelt made eight 3-pointers in the first half and finished with 10 for the game. The Mustangs (16-1) led 50-34 late in the second quarter.
St. John Bosco (13-2) made a 12-2 run late in the fourth quarter thanks to Elzie Harrington (15 points) and Kade Bonam (13 points). But a lay-in by Williamson ballooned Roosevelt's lead to 65-59 with 15 seconds left.
Jack Turner led St. John Bosco with 18 points.
The win almost certainly makes Roosevelt a lock for the CIF Southern Section Open Division playoffs. It's only loss came to JSerra in double overtime earlier this season.
"We're taking this thing one day at a time," Singleton said. "If we do what we need to, we'll be right where we want to be."
Roosevelt will play Corona Centennial on Jan. 9 in a big league game.
PHOTO GALLERY
(Photos by Heston Quan)
