COD (0-4) faced tough opponents as they fell to Cypress and Moorpark in the Neil Edwards Classic at Citrus College in Glendora.

The Roadrunners opened up the Neil Edwards Classic with a game against the Cypress Chargers (1-0). They played a complete first half, down by two going into the break, but struggled in the second half and fell 52-68.

Desert received some great performances from sophomore guard Philippe Salawa (Fontana Azariel Blanchard Miller), freshman guard Andre Allen (Chino Don Lugo) and freshman guard Dejon Talbert (Aurora (IL) East). All three were in double figures as Salawa led the team with 14 points, on 4 of 10 shooting and going 2 for 2 from beyond the arc with a block. Allen contributed 10 points with 5 of 6 from the charity stripe and Talbert came off of the bench to add 12 points on a perfect 4 of 4 shooting going 3 of 3 from beyond the arc, leading the team in rebounds (6) in the opener.

Desert took a six point lead at the half 36-30 against the Moorpark Raiders, but a strong second half by the Raiders put Desert in a pickle, with the home side falling, 66-63.

On the consolation side of the bracket, Desert faced off with the Raiders of Moorpark. Starting sophomore guard Weijie Zhang (Carlsbad Army-Navy) put up a strong performance leading the team with 20 points going 4 for 5 from beyond the arc and 2 for 2 in free throws. Freshman guard Andre Allen (Chino Don Lugo) led the team in assists (7) to add 11 points on 4 of 7 shooting.

Stevenson came off the bench to lead the team in steals and was deadly from beyond the arc, putting up 13 points on 5 of 11 shooting with nine rebounds and Salawa put up a block, while scoring 10 points, on 4 of 8 shooting with nine boards.

Photo by Britney Vargas and story by Ashtyn Lyneis (COD Sports Information)
Information, Photos & Story provided by COD Sports Information.