CIF high school basketball: Scripps Ranch gets gritty, wins historic D4 title

SACRAMENTO — The formula from a 4-16 season — and losing to an opponent by 70 points — isn't too complicated, said Scripps Ranch (San Diego) coach Brock Flint.

"Before the season we talked about three things: Grit, appreciation and love," he said after his team's 46-37 win over Justin-Siena (Napa) for the CIF State Division IV championship at Golden 1 Center. "Those are three things we need more in this world and that's what these guys are all about."

The Falcons are also about making history. They not won the school's first state basketball title but also became just the fourth school in state history to win a football and basketball state crown the same year, joining St. John Bosco, Serra (Gardena) and Alemany.

Lamont Wilkerson (game-high 19 points), Jax Leatherwood (seven points, six rebounds, eight blocks) and Dean Paley were on both teams for the Falcons (26-11), who also set a school record for school wins.

Scripps Ranch allowed 11 points in the middle two quarters, limited the Braves to just 21.1 percent shooting and scored more than half its points in the point to win going away. Leatherwood, an All-State quarterback who threw for more than 5,000 yards and 50 touchdowns, still seemed in disbelief at the double shot of gold. Moments after the final horn, he slapped hands and hugged teammates: "Two in one year, baby; two in one year," he kept repeating. "Football and basketball, what's next?"

During a press conference, it seemed like it still didn't hit him.

"For Scripps Ranch to have never won a state title before all this, that's a big deal," Leatherwood said. "The fact we did it in the same year with Lamont and Dean and to win as a family with all the guys on the football and basketball teams, it mins so much to me. To win it with all these great guys. ... it's just really special."

Said Wilkerson: "Special. Just special."

It wasn't a super special performance for the the Falcons. At least on offense. Justin-Siena (21-12), coming off its first regional championship, forced 18 turnovers. The Braves got most of their points off putbacks (13) and Scripps Ranch scored on 13 fast-breakpoints. Caden Flint, the coach's son, and Chase Weber combined for 12 points. They showed all that grit.

But mostly it was on the defensive end, where Leatherwood, a 6-foot-6 forward, suppllying eight of the team's 13 blocks. Flint added three.

"On the defensive side we were good, but we couldn't get a bucket," Justin-Siena junior Travis Hightower said. "They closed us down from both sides. We were getting guys open but we just couldn't hit anything in the second half."

Hightower led the Braves with 10 points and Asher Cleary and Vincent Jackson added eight apiece. With just four seniors on a 15-man roster, Justin-Siena coach Nick Guillory said the future is bright. Vincent, a 6-4 junior, was just grateful for the chance to play in an NBA arena. "It was surreal," he said. "To actually play in this arena is a whole new level. I was so thankful to play here."

Coach Flint was more than thankful, not only for the experience, but the championship. Talk about surreal. Though he was more than welcoming to have the three football players add grit, talent and winning attitude, it also messed with the team's chemistry which was strong in December.

"We had to take a couple steps back before going forward," Coach Flint said. "Before the season we sat down and set two goals. One was to win the state final and the other was to have fun. I don't know how many thought we could get the first one done, especially after the football team accomplished it. But they believed if they could play together, anything was possible.

"I don't know what to say about it. It's been an amazing, amazing experience and I'm very happy for them."

Leatherwood was more than giddy. He called last spring's 4-16 season "dreadful," especially a 93-24 loss to San Marcos.

"When I saw how hard these guys work, especially after the first playoff game, I knew we came out with a different energy," Leatherwood said. "From that point on anything was possible. And now we're in a frigging press room taking questions from (reporters). This is awesome."