Boys Basketball Captures Ojai Valley Classic Crown
December 17, 2024
Rams Notch Their Fifth Win in a Row, Glomah ’27 named MVP
On Saturday, the Cate Boys Varsity Basketball Team defeated Orcutt Academy 63-52 in the Championship Final of the Ojai Valley Classic. The win over the Spartans gave the Rams a perfect 3-0 record in the tournament after defeating Foothill Tech and Carpinteria High School in the opening rounds. The Rams showcased a potent mix of intense team defense and unselfish offense, overpowering a scrappy Orcutt squad that never gave up.
The victory was driven by an all-around team effort, with senior point guard Jacob Gabbay playing a crucial role throughout the tournament. Gabbay was instrumental in orchestrating Cate’s offense, finishing with a team-high 4 assists, 5 points, and 8 rebounds in the championship game. His leadership and decision-making were key to Cate’s success throughout the whole tournament, as he constantly set up his teammates for high-quality looks and kept the team poised under pressure.
Offensively, it was senior Marcus Scudder who took over the game, leading all scorers with 28 points to go along with 8 rebounds and 6 steals. Scudder’s ability to score in various ways—whether from deep, off the dribble, or at the free-throw line—kept the Rams in control throughout the game. His defensive intensity, particularly in creating turnovers in the first half, also fueled the Rams’ fast break opportunities.
Sophomore Braylin Glomah, who was selected the tournament MVP, was a force in the paint on both ends of the court, collecting 14 rebounds to go along with 7 points, 3 steals, and 3 blocks. Glomah’s dominance in the paint, including multiple dunks, was critical in stifling Orcutt’s second-chance opportunities, altering shots, and keeping the Rams in control of the game’s tempo.
Junior Josh Butler added 12 points and 3 steals, contributing to the Rams’ balanced offensive attack. Sophomore Jackson Steele chipped in with 7 points, while senior Peter Lehman contributed valuable minutes with 4 points and 7 rebounds, helping to shore up the team’s defense and rebounding effort.
Despite a scrappy effort from Orcutt Academy, who mounted a late push in the third quarter and again late in the fourth, Cate remained composed and executed their game plan until the buzzer. A big thank you to the parents and students who made the trip to Ojai to support the team throughout the tournament. Your energy and enthusiasm helped propel the Rams to the championship.
The Rams will return to Ojai on Tuesday to face rival Thacher at 6pm.