The third-seeded Crespi Celts cruised to a 78-49 victory over the 14th-seeded Granite Hill Grizzlies on Wednesday in the first round of the Southern California Division IV regional. Junior De’Anthony Melton and senior Mike Krkeyan led the charge for the Celts, who held the lead from the first bucket.
Crespi jumped out to an early 29-12 lead at the end of the first quarter thanks to their swarming defensive strategy, leading to multiple turnovers, which they converted into fast break points at the other end of the court. Krkeyan contributed three steals and seven points in the first quarter. He finished the game with 15 points and five assists. Melton scored 10 of his team-high 16 points in the first quarter. He finished the game with 10 rebounds.
The second quarter had the Grizzlies going on a 12-6 run that put them within striking distance. Crespi regrouped during a timeout and finished the half with a run of their own, going 11-2. This put the Celts comfortably in front, 46-26.
The third quarter was no different, and the Celts took a 63-39 lead going into the fourth.
Crespi rested most of the starters for the final eight minutes, but that did not stop the Celts from scoring. The bench led yet another charge, driving on the Grizzlies with ease, holding Granite Hills scoreless through the first three minutes of the quarter.
Crespi moved on in the semi-finals, playing Valley Christian in the regional quarterfinals on March 14.
