By Jondi Gumz
On Feb. 9, the Cabrillo College men’s basketball team — which has 22 wins this season — could not find a way to contain Shakir Odunewu, a 6-11 giant from Cairo, who scored 20 and grabbed 15 rebounds, leading West Valley College to a 71-58 victory.
West Valley’s Shakir Odunewu, 6-11, positions himself form a rebound. • Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz
Cabrillo came closer than earlier in the season when West Valley won 93-69.
There’s a reason West Valley is undefeated 25-0 — and it’s largely Shakir Odunewu.
West Valley had 37 rebounds to Cabrillo’s 29.
West Valley made 49% of its field goals while Cabrillo, attempting more shots, made 39% because of West Valley’s tenacious defense.
Darius Best, a 6-2 sophomore from Charlotte, N.C., who has averaged 15 points per game, scored 14 and added 6 assists.
Solomon Tucker, a 6-7 sophomore from Charlotte, N.C., grabbed 6 rebounds.
Cabrillo’s roster this year includes players from Tennessee, Missouri, Louisiana, Utah, Nevada, and Canada as well as North Carolina and California.
One local player on the roster is Christian Quintero, a 6-2 freshman who graduated from Pajaro Valley High School.
For West Valley, Santa Cruz High alum Kosi Warren-House is a 6-1 freshman on the roster.
Playoffs begin Feb. 28 with the state championship March 15-17 at Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut.
West Valley was ranked 1st in the state as of Jan. 29.
Only four colleges have won the state title with an undefeated record, and West Valley might be the next.
Cabrillo was ranked 7th before this loss. Rankings are updated every two weeks.
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For championship details, and live broadcasts, see https://www.3c2asports.org/sports/mbkb/Championships
Top Photo: Cabrillo’s Darius Best (2) takes a shot as West Valley’s 6-11 Shakir Odunewu defends. • Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz