Centennial uses big fourth quarter to beat Fresno-Edison 67-58
Nov. 28—All night long Tuesday, Centennial coach Hernan Santiago repeated a simple message to his boys basketball team.
"Pressure, pressure," said Santiago from the Golden Hawks sideline.
Trailing by four points early in the fourth quarter, Santiago's words paid dividends.
Host Centennial picked up its defensive intensity, scoring 15 of 16 points during a 3-minute stretch to regain control en route to a 67-58 non-league victory over Fresno-Edison.
"I just loved the way the kids played together," Santiago said. "It seems like they really like each other. I'd like to see how this team continues to grow as the season goes on."
Golden Hawks senior Rippen Gill, last year's BVarsity All-Area co-player of the year, scored nine of his team-high 20 points in the decisive fourth quarter.
"I think Rippen is an unbelievable player," Santiago said. "I think he's a scholarship kid ... obviously I think he's the best player in Bakersfield. There's a couple of other good kids, and I'm not taking anything away from them, but Rippen's special."
Gill capped the 15-1 run with a dunk and a foul after breaking the Tigers' press to give Centennial a 65-55 with 1:55 to play.
He missed the ensuing free throw, but the Golden Hawks (1-1) got three straight offensive rebounds to milk nearly a minute off the clock.
