THE PREPS : El Dorado Tournament : El Dorado Comes From Behind to Beat Downey

Guard Mike Renaud’s two free throws with 29 seconds remaining lifted El Dorado High School to a come-from-behind victory, 56-55, over Downey in the El Dorado Tournament championship game at El Dorado High School Saturday.

The Golden Hawks (4-3) were behind, 49-44, with just over four minutes to play.

“I’m pleased with our kids’ play tonight,� said El Dorado Coach Wayne Carlson. “The main thing is is that we kept our poise and we’re trying to improve game by game.�

Downey (3-4) had the lead with over one minute to go, but two free throws and a layup by tournament most valuable player Chris Facione cut the lead to one, 55-54, with 45 seconds remaining.

After a five-second call on Downey center Trent Pollard, El Dorado got the ball back as Renaud was fouled while driving to the basket. He then sank the free throws for the victory.

Facione led the Golden Hawks with 18 points and 10 rebounds, after scoring 24 Friday night over Long Beach Jordan. Renaud added 14 points.

The Golden Hawks built up a 18-13 first-quarter lead, but guard Mike Broooks got into foul trouble. Brooks finished with 12 points and 8 rebounds.

Downey tied the score, 28-28, at the half.

The Vikings came out fast in the second half, using full-court pressure, which forced 15 turnovers on El Dorado in the second half. The Golden Hawks made 23 turnovers in the game.

Todd Hammond scored 23 points and added 4 rebounds to lead Downey.

In other El Dorado Tournament action:

Whittier Christian 74, Long Beach Jordan 57--Erik Martin scored 36 points and grabbed 17 rebounds to lead the Heralds (5-1) to the third-place title.

Whittier Christian led, 34-30, at the half and broke the game open in the third quarter, outscoring Long Beach Jordan, 14-8. Fred Wilson scored 15 points to lead Long Beach Jordan (4-4).

Troy 62, Canyon 47--Guard Pat O’Curren scored 13 points and teammates Jim Bridges and Mike Hanna added 11 each to boost Troy to the consolation championship. The Warriors led, 33-27, at the half. Ralph Pacheco, Bryan Van Noy and Jeff Ellis scored 10 points each to lead Canyon.