Wasilla boys fall in first round of San Diego tourney

WASILLA — The Wasilla Warriors left the sub-zero temperatures in Alaska for a few days in the warmer California climate, but a late cold stretch helped spoil the team’s season-opener Thursday.

Lodi, Calif., outscored Wasilla 28-18 during the fourth quarter, and came from behind to score a 67-59 win over the Warriors during the first round of the Under Armour Holiday in San Diego, Calif.

“We played with the lead for most of it, but didn’t make shots during a huge stretch,” Wasilla head coach Ryan Engebretsen said by cellphone Thursday evening. “They hit two or three big 3-balls that got them a little lead, and we couldn’t buy a bucket.”

Cameron Brown led the Warriors with 16 points in the loss. Freshman Isaac Houck scored 14 in his Wasilla debut, and senior Cash McGregor chipped in 11. McGregor also recorded double-digit rebounds, Engebretsen said.

With the loss, Wasilla moves back to play Rancho Buena Vista, Calif., Friday at 11:30 a.m. AST.

Wasilla is guaranteed four games in the invitation-only tournament.

Lodi 67, Wasilla 59

Under Armour Holiday Classic

Thursday, San Diego, Calif.

Wasilla 12-16-13-18—59

Lodi 10-13-16-28—67

Wasilla (59) — Lee 2 0-0 4, Brown 4 6-7 16, Carney 1 0-0 2, Krueger 1 0-0 3, Bahan 2 0-0 5, Garnett 2 0-0 4, McGregor 5 0-0 11, Houck 4 6-8 14; Totals: 21 12-15 59.

Lodi (67) — Wall 3 4-6 12, DAndreze 3 1-2 13, Schopp 5 1-1 13, Durham 7 4-4 19, Nutting 1 1-2 4, Hughes 1 0-0 2, Dimon 3 0-0 7; Totals: 23 11-14 67.