COD (0-6) is still looking for that elusive first win of the 2016-17 season as they participated in the 45th annual Grossmont Men's Basketball Tournament in El Cajon.

In the opening round of the Grossmont Tournament, the Roadrunners faced off with the LA Southwest Cougars (4-5), after going into the break only down 50-44, Desert struggled in the second half, falling 106-80.

Freshman guard Shaquille Russell (Reseda Cleveland) came off of the bench to lead the Roadrunners with 14 points on 3 of 9 shooting from the field, going an impressive 8 for 10 from the free throw line and leading the team in total boards with six and assists with five. 

Freshman starting forward Gunnar Mogolis (Palm Desert H.S.) added 13 points on 4 of 11 shooting, going 2 for 5 from three-point range and freshman guard Philippe Salawa (Fontana Azariel Blanchard Miller) leapt off of the bench to add 11 points on 3 of 7 shooting and a block. Freshman forward Alex McGrath (Palm Desert H.S.) led the team in total boards with six and steals with three on the afternoon.

On the consolation side of the bracket, Desert met up with Balboa Prep Basketball Academy, falling behind early and recovering in the second half, but falling 100-73.

Once again, Russell led the way for the Roadrunners, scoring 19 points on 6 of 11 shooting, going 6 for 11 from the free throw line and sophomore guard Etienne Ettlinger (St. John Brebeuf, BC) came off of the bench to add 9 points, going 3 for 6 from beyond the arc and leading the team with two assists. Salawa and sophomore forward Dajuan Fulgham (Montevallo, AL) both added six total boards each to lead the team and freshman starting forward Caleb Jones (Fontana Azariel Blanchard Miller) led the Roadrunners with three steals on the afternoon.

Information, Photos & Story provided by COD Sports Information.