Findlay Prep (Henderson, Nev.), No. 4 in MaxPreps’ Xcellent 25 national boys basketball rankings, stunned No. 1 Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Va.), 74-66, Sunday at Georgetown Prep (North Bethesda, Md.) to win the ESPN Rise National High School Invitational.
The Pilots from the Las Vegas suburbs completed a perfect 33-0 campaign, while perennial national champion Oak Hill finished at 40-1.
The champs gained a 26-20 lead at the half thanks to a tight zone defense which forced the Warriors to shoot only 1-of-11 from 3-point range in the first 16 minutes. A 24-15 third quarter put them in command at 50-35. Junior forward Tristan Thompson dominated the game’s final 1:18 with four free throws and two dunks to seal the victory.
Senior guard Avery Bradley earned MVP honors with 20 points and eight rebounds, even though he fouled out with 2:32 remaining and his team clinging to a 62-57 lead.
Center Keith “Tiny” Gallon paced Oak Hill with 18 points and 14 rebounds.
