Youseff Eshra had 30 points to propel Oakwood to a 59-54 win over Aptos Friday night and send the Hawks into the finals of the Bob Hagen Tournament.
Eshra had 21 second-half points, including sinking key free throws down the stretch to secure the win.
Justin Mortensen followed with 16 points including a pair of blocks in the third quarter that kept Aptos off balance and helped give the Hawks a 37-35 lead at the end of the third quarter.
“He used to jump when someone would ball fake, but now he’s staying on his feet and just putting his arms up,” Eshra said. “He plays really good. I’m proud of him.”
The Mariners didn’t go down quietly, even taking a small lead in the fourth quarter before Oakwood got on a roll.
“That’s great high school basketball. They are so well coached,” said Oakwood coach Kort Jensen.
Jensen gave credit to Aptos for giving Oakwood fits on the glass, but the Hawks relied as they have on forcing turnovers.
The win avenged a loss to Aptos last year in the championship game of the Hagen Tournament.
Led by Eshra’s free throws and his defense, the Hawks built a strong lead.
He was all over the court, including charging from half court to the corner for a loose ball that he swatted toward the feet of an Aptos player who had it stripped by Evan Richards.
“I can’t even think fast enough get there and he physically got there,” Jensen said.
The turnover allowed Oakwood to retake the lead and also led to Eshra making the play of the game to increase that lead.
“That was special. That’s what champions do,” Jensen said.
On a fast break, Eshra leapt in the air, faked a behind-the-back pass and laid the ball into the hoop.
It was a move Eshra said he learned watching Rashawn Rondo on TV.
Oakwood opened the game not playing well, going down 17-9 after the first quarter.
Turnovers plagued the Hawks, but they make a run in the second quarter to take a 24-23 lead at the half.
Going into the third, Oakwood made the adjustments stick and took a two-point lead.
Oakwood will next faceoff against Gilroy in the championship game, scheduled to get started at 7:30 p.m.
