Bakersfield College’s mens basketball opened up their season down in Fullerton in a three-day, eight-team tournament Nov. 13 that had BC players filled with confidence and excitement.
“We’re hungry. We’re not even going to sleep tonight. It’s time to go eat,” Lawrence Moore said before gameday.
Returning point guard Demontrey Mitchell also joined in on the weekend ahead.
“This is a business trip.” Mitchell said. “A lot of blood, sweat, and tears have been put in so we’re ready.”
Bakersfield opened up the tournament against L.A. Trade Tech that ended in dramatic fashion as Trade Tech defeated BC in three overtimes, 88-85.
Deandre Dickson, a 6-foot-9 freshman, led the way for the Renegades with 29 points (12-for-25 shooting), 25 rebounds and four blocks.
Another freshman, 5-8 Jameik Riviere, came off the bench for the Renegades and filled up the stat sheet with 14 points, nine rebounds, nine steals, and six assists despite turning the ball over nine times.
“It was good. I was just giving it all I got,” said Riviere on his performance.
Isaiah Rogers added 12 points and C.J. Johnson scored 11 points and grabbed six rebounds off the bench.
BC out-rebounded Trade Tech 64-36, but 31 turnovers and key missed free throws down the stretch hurt the Renegades.
“It was an eye-opener,” head coach Rich Hughes said. “[We] can’t get down on it.”
Bakersfield played the following day against Santa Barbara with a Consolation Championship game at stake.
BC rolled passed the Vaqueros 68-53 as Dickson posted another double-double with 14 points and 11 boards, while Riviere chipped in 18 points on 4-for-5 shooting and 7-for-8 from the free-throw line in 23 minutes.
On Nov. 15, the Renegades faced Victor Valley for fifth place in the tournament and a Consolation Championship to take home.
Bakersfield controlled the final two minutes of the game going on a 6-0 run and wound up winning 75-70 taking home the hardware. Chaffey College beat L.A. Southwest 86-77 for the tournament championship.
Dickson capped off a spectacular weekend with 37 points and 18 rebounds sinking in 16-of-22 shot attempts in the championship game.
“I just played my game and took advantage of my height. I want to keep this kind of play all season long,” Dickson said.
Dickson is currently second in the state in the points per game category (26.7) and as well as rebounds (18.0)
The Renegades (2-1) will next travel north to West Hills in Coalinga (2-4) on Nov. 21 in their second preseason stop before hosting the Thanksgiving Tournament on Nov. 28-30.