DUBLIN, CA - Heritage blew things open early, and cruised from there to an 81-50 win over Hercules in the opening round of the Don Nelson Classic at Dublin.
Senior Jonathan Ned scored all 25 of his points in the first three quarters, before the bench took over in the final eight minutes of the game. The Patriots led by 20 points at the half, and just continued to build their advantage in the final two quarters.
Ezra Manjon was the only other Heritage player in double figures, with 10 points, but nine different Patriots scored in the game, and they all scored at least four points each. Saleem Mahdi chipped in nine points, while Carson Borrelli added eight points, and Kalil Freeman and Jacob Williams had seven points apiece.
Matthew Laguartilla and Patrick Udenyi each scored nine points to lead Hercules, while Emany Johnson added eight.
Heritage now faces Castro Valley in the semifinals. The Trojans beat Foothill-Palo Cedro, 73-59, despite a 23-point night from Foothill's Thurman Knowles.
Host Dublin routed Concord, 93-53, on the other side of the bracket. The Gaels will face Encinal in the other semifinal, after the Jets raced past Franklin-Stockton, 75-47. Encinal led by 19 points at the half.
