Monterey holds off record-maker Alijah Arenas, Chatsworth to win first CIF California basketball state title
SACRAMENTO — Alijah Arenas got the record, but the Monterey Dores claimed the title.
Arenas, one of the nation's top sophomores and son of former NBA player Gilbert Arenas, broke the state Division 4 scoring record of 35 points by going for 44 points, but the Dores scored a 74-66 victory to claim the California state championship at Golden 1 Center, home of the Sacramento Kings.
Monterey claims first state title
Photo; Dennis Lee
Kavon Collins had 22 points, Joshua Roth 19 and Ryan Roth 18 for Monterey (25-6), winning in their first state-title appearance.
The big trio offset the one-man performance by Arenas, who made 17 of 32 shots, 8 of 12 free throws and added eight rebounds for Chatsworth (20-15), also making its first state appearance.
Arenas' total was the second most ever scored in a CIF state title game, surpassed only by Glendora's Tracy Murray, who scored 64 in 1989.
Alijah Arenas goes in for two of his record 44 points.
Dennis Lee
PREGAME:
The 2024 California (CIF) boys and girls high school basketball state championships have arrived. All 12 state championship games will be played at Golden 1 Center, the home of the Sacramento Kings.
The CIF State championship games continue Saturday at 10 a.m. with the Division III boys basketball matchup between Chatsworth and Monterey.
You can follow live updates of Chatsworth vs. Monterey on SBLive, including real-time score updates, game highlights and much more. You can also watch the game live on the NFHS Network.
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LIVE UPDATES
4TH QUARTER
Monterey 74, Chatsworth 66 (final)
Monterey 65, Chatsworth 56 (1:42): The Dores continue to hold off and make plays from all sources. Joshua Roth (17) and Ryan Roth (14) finishing things off after Kavon Collins (20) had carried the team earlier. Arenas up up to 39, breaks D4 scoring record of 35.
3RD QUARTER
Monterey 52, Chatsworth 52 (end of 3): Monterey is holding off the damn, it feels like. The Dores have trailed only once, 2-0, but Arenas is coming. He's up to 31 on 12 of 21
Monterey 44, Chatwsorth 39 (3:20): Arenas really heating up, another 3. He has 24 points, but Monterey holding off Chatsworth for now. The Roth brothers Ryan and Joshua keeping the Dores in front with a combined 18 to go with Collins' 18. Turning into good game.
2ND QUARTER
Monterey 34, Chatsworth 29 (halftime): Collins made 7 of 11 shots en route to 18 points, Arenas has made 5 of 12 and 5 of 6 free throws for 16 points. He averages 32.5 points. Taj Unakhaulu has nine rebounds for Chatsworth, which holds a 25-17 edge on the boards.
Kavon Collins, Monterey
Photo: Dennis Lee
Monterey 34, Chatsworth 28 (1:45): Arenas hitting up, drills 3-pointer now up to 16 points, almost matching Collins (18). A pair of 3-pointers by Joshua Roth extends Monterey's lead.
1ST QUARTER
Monterey 16, Chatsworth 10 (end of 1): Chatsworth a cool 2 of 10 from the field, Monterey 6-for-17 even though Chatsworth with a big 13-9 edge on boards. Five turnovers not helping the Chancellors. Collins the star of this one so far with 12 points for Monterey.
Monterey 12, Chatsworth 6 (2:45): Alijah Arenas has made just 1 of his first five shots. The other "0" Kavon Colins already has 10 points for the Dores. Lotta foul calls in early going. No flow.
HOW TO WATCH CIF STATE CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES
Can't make it to a game but still want to watch your favorite team play live? You can watch the CIF State high school basketball championship games live on the NFHS Network:
To get live updates on your phone — as well as follow your favorite teams and top games — you can download the SBLive Sports app:
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