Trailblazers claim Red Devil Classic, Brewer named MVP

Victories over Everett, Southwestern Oregon and Mt. Hood on three consecutive days allowed the Centralia College men's basketball team to secure the Red Devil Classic hosted by Lower Columbia College over Thanksgiving weekend.

Tumwater grad Luke Brewer, one of three former T-Birds in the starting lineup for the trifecta of wins, was named as the tournament MVP. He averaged 16 points and seven rebounds per game.

Friday's 71-67 win over Everett came down to the wire. CC (7-0) led by as much as seven with under 10 minutes left in the second half only for the Trojans to chip away at the deficit and eventually trail by four with 26 seconds to go. Brewer came down with an offensive board and sank two free throws with eight seconds remaining to hold on.

Clay Morgan added 16 points, nine rebounds and six assists in the win while Andrew Collins registered 10 points.

The Blazers jumped out early on Southwestern Oregon in the first half and never lost control in a 78-62 triumph on Saturday. Despite losing the rebound battle by four, they distributed 17 assists to just seven turnovers. Brewer, Morgan and Julian Ibarra each paced CC with 14 points while Maximus Holliman recorded 11 off the bench.

Sunday's 89-79 tournament-clinching win over Mt. Hood featured 58 total fouls, three players fouling out and nine of the 10 starters having at least three fouls. CC ended up 28-of-38 from the charity stripe while Mt. Hood was 25-of-41.

A 10-point lead at the half for the Blazers ended up sticking en route to a 3-0 weekend. Brewer had 11 of his 18 points from the foul line while Holliman led the way with 21 points off the bench. Ibarra notched 16 points while Ahren Bee-Richards chipped in 14.

Up next for CC is a Tuesday home game versus Portland at 7 p.m.