Memorial’s reign in the James Gamble Classic has become emblematic of the namesake coach who led Lincoln to four state championships in the 1980s.

The defending 5A state champion Titans have won their own holiday tournament for the eighth time in their 17-year school history and fifth time in the last six years following a 73-46 win over Houston St. Pius X on Friday night.

Kenneth Lofton Jr. was named the Classic’s MVP after scoring 19 points in the title game.

“I had been watching [this tournament] for a long time, even when my brother has been playing, and I had always wanted to be MVP,” said Lofton, whose brother played in the tournament four years ago. “When it was my time, I had to show them what I could do.”

Memorial (14-6) has won four straight, including three in the eight-team tournament, and neither win the Classic was very close. The Titans’ average margin of victory the past three games was 31.7 points per game, with wins over Houston Kashmere (85-48) and Pro-Vision Academy (92-61).

During the awards presentation, Gamble told the Titans they “might be the real deal”.

The Titans showed no lack of energy during the first two days after the UIL-mandated five-day rest period for Christmas.

“We were just all ready to play,” Lofton said. “We executed, we played hard and we won the championship.”

Memorial took a 34-23 halftime lead, opening up a close battle by knocking down five three-point shots in the second quarter.

“When you get stops and you play defense and you’re scoring on the other end, it creates a lead,” Titans coach Alden Lewis said. “You get comfortable, and you’re able to play and keep playing from there.”

An 8-2 run at the end of the third quarter gave the Titans a 51-32 lead. Their largest lead was 62-32, as they held the Panthers scoreless for more than 6 minutes during one span.

Jaden Conner and Amaree Abram each had 12 points for Memorial. Both made the all-tournament team, with Conner also earning the “Mr. Outside” award for his three-point shooting.

Craig Branch led St. Pius X with 13 points.

 

MEMORIAL 92, PRO-VISION ACADEMY 61

Earlier Friday, Lofton led a balanced scoring effort with 18 points, Abram had 16 and Conner scored 14 as the Titans left nothing to chance against the Warriors.

Twelve of the 15 Titans entered the scoring column.

Quentin Harold and Jacob Smith led Pro-Vision with 15 points.