San Diego Reader

Hornets overwhelm Curtis in National Division first round

DEL MAR HEIGHTS – With 10 seniors returning from last year’s Division II state champion team, Lincoln has another state title in its sights. The Hornets opened the ESPN iScore Holiday Classic on Monday with a convincing 95-75 win over the Curtis (Wash.) Vikings in the National Division at Torrey Pines High.

“I think we can win this tournament,” said Lincoln forward Rasean Simpson. “We have to play hard, play focused and play good defense – that’s the first thing.”

Playing without guard Tyree Robinson, Lincoln (9-0) overwhelmed Curtis with its speed and full court pressure. After the Vikings cut the Hornets’ lead to 24-21 early in the second quarter, Lincoln went on a 20-3 run to take control of the game.

“We can’t let them get close,” Simpson said. “We didn’t want a close game, we wanted a blowout so we could get some rest for tomorrow.”

The Hornets continued to run in the second half, leading by as much as 35 on their way to a comfortable 20-point win. Simpson led Lincoln with 28 points, scoring both in the paint and beyond the arc.

“I’ve just been working out and getting better,” Simpson said. “The whole team had to step up and bring more energy.”

Norman Powell (19 points), Tyree Robinson (11 points) and Josh Smith (10 points) also finished in double figures for Lincoln. Along with No. 4 Torrey Pines, the top-ranked Hornets are one of two San Diego teams in the National Division.

“It means a lot to us. We have to play for San Diego and we can’t let anybody come into San Diego and beat us,” Simpson said. “It’s really fun to play teams from all around the nation.”

Despite losing 6’6” forward Victor Dean and 6’10” center Nathan Maxey to graduation from last year’s team, Simpson said the 2010-11 Hornets may be better. Lincoln’s resume this season already includes wins over Los Angeles Windward, Fairfax, Inglewood and Corona Centennial.

“I think we’re better as a team. We pass the ball more, we’re not as selfish and we play better defense,” Simpson said. “Without a big man, we run more and shoot more.”

Simpson said the Hornets’ goal this season is to defend their state title and finish undefeated. Lincoln faces the winner of Torrey Pines and Westchester in the National Division quarterfinals Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Torrey Pines.

“There is a big difference in the way these teams play,” Simpson said. “Playing these teams helps us to believe that we can accomplish anything as a team.”

Washington State bound guard DaVonte Lacy scored a game-high 29 points to lead Curtis (5-2). Forward James Cook (15 points) also scored in double figures for the Vikings.

Lincoln – 95 (22-30-22-21)

Simpson 28, Powell 19, Tyrell Robinson 11, Kevin Smith 8, Byrd 7 (starters) Josh Smith 10, Cobb 5, Morgan 3, Kirkland 2, Lovell 2

Curtis – 75 (15-17-19-24)

Lacy 29, Cook 15, Vaughn 8, Chisholm 2, Cottrill 2 (starters) Johnson-Wilson 9, Cooks 4, Howell 2, Siler 2, Gallo 1

Lincoln forward Rasean Simpson guards Curtis guard DaVonte Lacy in the backcourt