Turning point: The opening minutes. Playing every bit like the championship program it is, No. 2-seeded Modesto Christian bolted to a 10-2 lead and was not threatened by top-seeded Colfax. The Crusaders shot well early, attacked fearlessly and effortlessly extended their section playoff winning streak to 36 games.
Highlights: Reeves Nelson might be ready for UCLA now. Modesto Christian's dominating 6-foot-7 junior swingman, who already has verbally committed to the Bruins, continued his torrid postseason. He scored 30 points on runners, drives and dunks. With 121 points, he eclipsed the section single-postseason scoring record of 118 points set by Elk Grove's Bill Cartwright in 1975. Nelson also grabbed 13 rebounds and handled the ball as the Crusaders cruised to their record ninth consecutive section banner and 11th in 12 seasons. Modesto Christian had won the previous five D-V titles, though its talent and skill level clearly have been that of a D-I school over the years. (The Crusaders won D-I section titles in 2001 and '02.)
Key performers: Nelson had help, with guard D.J. Seeley scoring 18 with four assists.
What's next: Modesto Christian will host a Northern California Regional playoff opener Tuesday. Colfax will play an opponent on the road. Seedings will be announced today.
– Joe Davidson
Modesto Christian (27-4) 23 23 23 16 – 85
Colfax (28-3) 11 13 10 22 – 56
MC–Watts 8, Lemburg 9, Henton 10, Re. Nelson 30, Seeley 18, Burse 6, Butler 2, Ra. Nelson 2. C–Schubert 10, Krizman 13, Ballenger 2, Fowler 6, Iventosh 9, Divine 5, Kleppe 9, Guiles 2.
