KELSEYVILLE — Wyatt Ferrell scored 10 of his 15 points in the first quarter and Dustin Thaxton added another six as the Kelseyville Knights came out of the gate shooting Thursday in a 69-58 victory over El Molino in the opening round of the 40th annual Stokes Invitational at Kelseyville High School.
“Our kids were pretty darn focused and we came out ready to play,” Kelseyville coach Scott Conrad. “We were shooting pretty well, too, and that always helps.”
The Knights led 24-12 by quarter”s end, the difference in the game. They made four 3-pointers in the opening period ? two each from Ferrell and Thaxton.
“We came out shooting against some extended man-to-man defense,” Conrad said. “And when they switched to a zone we found the open guys on the perimeter.”
Thaxton finished with 24 points, including five 3-pointers, to spark the Kelseyville offense. Max Huff ended up with 17 points, most of those inside, despite playing at less than 100 percent because of illness.
“Max is still sick as a dog,” Conrad said. “He would spend three minutes on the court and then we”d get him off for a couple of minutes to rest him.”
Oscar Lopez chipped in with seven points, including four in the momentum-shifting first quarter.
The Knights took a 40-23 lead into halftime and it was 55-41 after three quarters.
Conrad said the tournament field is especially strong this year.
“There”s no cheapies, which is great,” he said. “There won”t be any in our league either so this will help get us ready.”
Kelseyville draws Capuchino in the early game today at 10:30 a.m.
In other Stokes boys” action Thursday:
Justin-Siena 65, Orland 52
Justin-Siena of Napa gradually pulled away from Orland in first-round action.
The Braves led 17-16 after one quarter, 33-26 at halftime and 51-41 after three quarters.
Eli Granata paced Justin-Siena with 27 points, 17 of those coming in the middle quarters, Derek Wrenn added 13 and Marcus Armstrong-Brown had eight.
Jud Salisbery scored 14 of his team-leading 20 points in the second half for Orland. Jesus Llamas added 11 points and Javone Bradford had nine.
Capuchino 55, San Rafael 52
Zachary Kohtz scored 25 points and Daman Stansberry clicked for another 20 as defending Stokes champion Capuchino High School of San Bruno turned back a strong challenge from San Rafael.
Sho Bramah”s 23 points, eight of those in the fourth quarter, led San Rafael. Liam Maley added 10 points.
