Fresno City wins Modesto JC basketball tournament – again

Sunrise in the east. Taxes. And Fresno City winning the Modesto Junior College Tournament.

They’re all facts of life, especially the Rams dominating in Modesto each December. Their 70-61 victory over Cosumnes River on Saturday night gave Fresno its fourth straight MJC title, its ninth in the last 11th and a record 14th.

“Coach (Ed Madec) told us it’s not OK to lose in Modesto,” said Tyus Millhollin, the tournament MVP after his 28-point performance against Cosumnes. “No 2-1 or 1-2.”

Fresno (11-4) went 3-0 in the eight-team field, but it wasn’t easy. The Rams easily could have lost their first two games but rallied in the final two minutes each night to outlast Ohlone 76-69 and Sacramento City 85-79.

Millhollin epitomizes Fresno’s relentless full-court style. He stopped long enough during the title game, however, to net all 15 of his free throws plus arguably the game’s biggest shot, a 3-pointer off a pass from clever backcourt mate Christian Carroll with a second left on the shot clock. That gave the Rams a 63-58 lead with 1:50 left. Millhollin led all Fresno scorers for the three games with 64 points.

“Ohlone was ranked seventh and came out for blood. Sacramento gave us their best game. Cosumnes never went away. We win by attrition,” Millhollin said. “We need to be careful not to play down to other teams’ levels.”

Carroll, who orchestrates the Fresno attack, earned an all-tournament selection after his 15-point performance.

The former Golden Valley High School star anchored Fresno’s group of six from the Stanislaus District. They included center Ethan Eads (Central Catholic), Josthin Dawkins and Jordan Hollins-Buckner (Modesto Christian), Jess Spivey (Sierra) and Fred Lavender (Weston Ranch). Together, they averaged 38 points per game at MJC Gym.

“I want to play well when I’m close to home,” Carroll said. “I know Fred (Lavender) feels that way.”

Fresno led by 12 before Cosumnes River (7-5) rallied to pull within 27-24 entering halftime. The Rams never trailed in the second half, though the Hawks stayed within striking range behind skilled wing Jordan Roberson and guard Leondre Lintz.

Roberson and Lintz both posted 19 points and Roberson – who kept his team close during the first half – received an all-tournament award.

Other all-tournament choices were Trevelin Queen of third-place Marin, David King of Sacramento and Kenny Macklin of consolation champ Lassen.

Notes – Hughson-based Grower Direct Nut Company, the tournament sponsor headed by Ron and Aaron Martella, appears to be on board for the long term. Ron Martella, who played for the Pirates, said he’ll extend the agreement five more years after the current contract expires following the event’s 80th anniversary in 2017. “I love this tournament. I love our school,” he said. ... The Fresno team gave Martella a school hoodie after its victory.

This story was originally published December 18, 2016 at 3:42 PM with the headline "Fresno City wins Modesto JC basketball tournament – again."